Logo

Eagles Hit With Another Blow as Edge Rusher Suffers Season-Ending Injury

489 views

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.

Article image

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.

Cleveland Browns v Philadelphia Eagles - NFL Preseason 2025

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.

Week 5 NFL 2025 - New Orleans Saints vs New York Giants
Hurry and snag your official New Orleans Saints gear today to show your Who Dat pride—SHOP NOW  New Orleans, LA – October 2, 2025 As the 2025 NFL season heats up, football fans are eagerly anticipating the matchup between the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants in Week 5. This is an opportunity for the Saints to secure their first win after a tough start, while the Giants hope to build on their recent upset victory. This article provides comprehensive information to help fans prepare for game day, from the schedule to ticket purchasing and key notes. Game Date and Stadium The game will take place on Sunday, October 5, 2025, with kickoff at 12:00 PM local time (CT). The venue is the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana – one of the NFL's iconic locations with a capacity of over 73,000 fans. This stadium is renowned for its electric atmosphere and has hosted numerous major events, including Super Bowls. If you're attending, arrive early to avoid traffic congestion in the area. Buying Tickets: Where to Buy, How to Buy, and Ticket Prices Tickets for this game are widely available through official and secondary platforms. To ensure legitimacy and avoid counterfeit tickets, prioritize purchasing from trusted sources. Where to Buy Tickets: Official Saints website: neworleanssaints.com/tickets – single-game tickets via SeatGeek or Ticketmaster (the NFL's official resale platform). Ticketmaster.com: Search for "New Orleans Saints vs New York Giants" to purchase directly. Secondary platforms: StubHub, Vivid Seats, TickPick – where resale tickets are available with flexible pricing. How to Buy Tickets: All tickets are digital (mobile tickets), with no paper options. Use the Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, or Saints App to purchase and manage them. The process: Search for the game, select seats (using the stadium map), pay via credit card or digital wallet, and receive a QR code via email or app. If you don't have a smartphone, contact Saints customer service at (504) 731-1700 or visit the stadium box office (Superdome Box Office) for assistance with printing. Schedules may change due to NFL flex scheduling, so check for updates regularly. Ticket Prices: Prices vary by seat location and demand. Currently: Cheapest tickets: Around $23 (upper deck). Average: $73 – $152. Premium tickets (suites or field-level): From $84 to over $13,000 (pre-tax fees included). Resale prices may exceed face value due to demand. Buy early for the best deals, and check platforms for promotions. Team Lineup Status for Both Teams Both teams are dealing with injuries that could impact their strategies. New Orleans Saints (0-4): The home team is struggling with a string of injuries. Cesar Ruiz (high-ankle sprain) and Chase Young (ankle) have been ruled out (OUT). Taysom Hill (knee), Foster Moreau, and Ridgeway are recovering from the injured reserve (IR) list. Juwan Johnson, Trevor Penning (ankle), and Dillon Radunz (toe) have been limited in practice. The team will rely on Alvin Kamara and the defense to turn things around, but the offensive line is thin. New York Giants (1-3): The visiting team just beat the Chargers but lost Malik Nabers (torn ACL and lateral meniscus) for the season. Jaxson Dart (hamstring) is expected to return to practice, but Holland (neck), Felton, Dimukeje (pectoral), Gray, and Moore (upper leg) are on the injury list. The Giants will lean on Russell Wilson and the offense to exploit Saints' weaknesses, but their receiving corps is heavily impacted. Prediction: The game could favor the Saints with home-field advantage, but injuries make it unpredictable. Notes for Attending the Game For a safe and enjoyable experience, be aware of the following policies at Caesars Superdome: Bag Policy: Only clear bags (maximum size 12x6x12 inches) or small clutches (6.5x4.5 inches) are allowed. It's recommended to go bag-free for faster entry. Prohibited Items: No outside food (except sealed 20oz water bottles), vapes/e-cigarettes (smoking is fully banned), large signs, poles, or dangerous items. Full list available at neworleanssaints.com/stadium/a-to-z-fan-guide. Payments and Parking: The stadium is cashless – use cards or digital wallets for concessions and merchandise. Parking requires a mobile pass, with 7 garages and 2 lots available; purchase passes via the Saints App. Vehicles may be subject to security checks. Security and Accessibility: Metal detectors at gates. No re-entry allowed. Escalators, elevators (priority for disabled guests), and ramps are available at Gates A/E. Arrive 3 hours early to join tailgating at Champions Square. Children: Kids over 2 years old need their own ticket; infants can sit on laps without obstructing views. Other: Monitor the weather (dome stadium, but outdoor areas may be rainy). For issues, contact Guest Services at the stadium or call (504) 731-1700.