Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season has arrived, and the Philadelphia Eagles have some injury concerns entering their matchup against the Washington Commanders.
There are two key injuries the Eagles are dealing with before kickoff: edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and rookie tight end Eli Stowers. The Eagles have placed Stowers on IR after downgrading him from questionable to out for the game due to his lower-leg injuries.
As for Greenard, the Eagles decided his fate before the Commanders game. Here is everything Eagles fans need to know about Greenard's injury going into the game.
Injury update on Jonathan Greenard entering Eagles-Commanders Week 1 game
The Eagles have ruled Greenard out with the pectoral injury he has been dealing with. He suffered the injury before training camp in a freak accident while lifting in the weight room. Greenard did not participate at all in training camp.
At least he has practiced with the Eagles over the past week. He was participating on a limited basis.
Philly will now have to play without Greenard. The Eagles will be starting Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt against the Commanders.
Hunt led the Eagles in interceptions and sacks last season, becoming the first player in franchise history to do so. Smith is fully healthy after dealing with a triceps injury that kept him out of four games in 2025, resulting in a three-sack season.
Greenard also dealt with injuries last season with the Vikings, showing a concerning injury trend for the edge rusher. The Eagles hope this doesn't become a habit and that he can return soon.
There has been no update on whether Greenard will be back in Week 2 or whether the Eagles will take it slow with him. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has been cautious with Greenard and has not given a timeline for his return.
For now, the Eagles have everything they need with Hunt and Smith starting for the time being. Hunt looks poised for a great season after being Philly's top pick at training camp.
Read more: Jalyx Hunt is playing for more than just snaps in Eagles' Week 1 showdown
Greenard will be focused on getting better so that he can get on the field as soon as possible. The Eagles need to have their $100 million pass rusher on the field so that they can be a full strength within their elite defense.
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