Through over two weeks of training camp, the Philadelphia Eagles' defense has been spectacular to follow and watch.
Their elite status from the last two years continues to be carried over into the 2026 season. At all three levels on defense, the unit has dominated the Eagles' offense in nearly every practice at camp.
Still, the defense has its own concerns as it enters its first preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. One starter has not practiced all of camp, and many are hoping that he will be back soon, but the wait might have to continue. That might just heat things up for edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr. the rest of camp.
Latest injury update will challenge Nolan Smith Jr. to step up at Eagles camp
Eagle defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was asked for an update on edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and when he could be back from the pectoral injury that has him on the PUP list. It wasn't exactly the most encouraging update.
"We ain't gonna see him for another couple of weeks at least."
Fangio added that Greenard will need time after that to get into NFL shape. This might indicate that Greenard might not be an impact player right away for Philly.
The good news is that Jalyx Hunt has been a standout at training camp. Hunt has reportedly been running over tackles and showing great speed off the line. That is a scary thought for opposing teams' offenses and lovely for Eagles fans to hear.
Now to the part the Eagles need to see with the latest Greenard update: Smith better be ready to step up. While he has had a solid camp so far, Smith has not been creating nearly as many highlight plays as Hunt has
Smith has been a good player for the Eagles since being drafted in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. During their Super Bowl run in 2024, he was second on the team in sacks with 6.5.
Last season was a nightmare for Smith, only racked up three sacks after missing four games with a triceps injury. He hasn't been the most consistent player for the Eagles in the last few years.
Smith is already behind the eight-ball during training camp after his busy offseason with news. The Eagles picked up his fifth-year option on his rookie contract, and afterward he was arrested.
Read more: Undersized Eagles lineman has slowly become the training camp darling of 2026
With Greenard not potentially being ready by Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, that puts way more pressure on Smith to step up after already being outshined by Hunt. Something is going to have to change for Smith if he wants to have a long future with the team.
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