Eagles EDGE Nolan Smith Jr. is out of the game with a concussion after a brutal hit in the first half against the Panthers, and for a team already staring down a mountain of injuries, this is a gut-wrenching blow. Carolina running back Chuba Hubbard delivered the chip block that sent Smith to the sidelines. This young first-round pick, who already had two sacks this year and added his third early in the game, won’t be returning.
The EDGE Rushers Are Vanishing
Man, losing Smith absolutely crushes the Eagles’ depth at edge rusher. With him out, the team is down to just three active edge rushers. Why so few? A.J. Epenesa is already sidelined with a back injury, and Jalyx Hunt is out this week dealing with a knee/ankle issue. That leaves Jonathan Greenard, who has battled his own pec and ankle injuries this year, along with Arnold Ebiketie and Keyshawn James-Newby, to hold down the fort. This unit is getting absolutely hammered.
The Injury Report Is Just Wild
It’s not just the edge rushers getting banged up. This is just the latest hit to an Eagles squad that looks like it’s walking through a medical ward. Quarterback Jalen Hurts landed on IR this week because of a superficial blood clot. Running back Saquon Barkley is out for his second straight game with a hamstring injury, and Tank Bigsby is also on IR after core muscle surgery. Then there’s running back Will Shipley, who got hit with a foot injury last week. And let’s not forget guard Landon Dickerson, who’s been on IR with a knee injury since Week 1. This list is getting insane, man.
The Eagles are currently 2-3, and they were trailing the Panthers 10-7 at halftime. Losing Smith makes their fight to avoid a fourth straight loss even harder. They gotta dig deep, because this season is on the line right now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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