Eagles Hit With Another Blow as Edge Rusher Suffers Season-Ending Injury
The Philadelphia Eagles are dealing with another major setback to their already thin edge rusher group. Just weeks into the season, their depth chart has been tested again following yet another injury during Sunday’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Eagles had already placed young pass rusher Nolan Smith on injured reserve last week due to a triceps strain, hoping to see him back after the Week 9 bye. In his place, veteran Za’Darius Smith was called upon to start against Tampa, bringing experience but also underscoring how quickly Philadelphia’s rotation has been forced to adapt.
Through four games, the lack of consistent pressure off the edge has been glaring. The Eagles’ defense has managed just five total sacks, the franchise’s lowest mark at this point of a season since 2019. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has resorted to heavy blitz packages, including 10 blitzes against Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield, to generate pressure. While players like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Zack Baun, and Moro Ojomo have stepped up in spots, the absence of a steady edge rush remains a concern.
That concern only grew on Sunday when another defender went down in the second quarter and did not return. After logging just four defensive snaps, he was ruled out, and reports later confirmed the injury was far worse than initially feared.
That player was Ogbo Okoronkwo, who is now expected to miss the remainder of the season with a torn triceps. Signed in the offseason as a rotational pass rusher with prior experience for the Rams, Texans, and Browns, Okoronkwo had been viewed as an important depth piece for Fangio’s scheme. His loss leaves Philadelphia with Za’Darius Smith, Josh Uche, and unactivated fourth-year rusher Azeez Ojulari as the main options until Nolan Smith is able to return.
Okoronkwo’s injury highlights the Eagles’ growing concerns at the position. While general manager Howie Roseman built the unit with veteran depth, it would not be surprising if the front office explores outside additions in the coming weeks. For now, Philadelphia will need their interior line dominance to continue masking the lack of production from the edge.
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