Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Jonathan Greenard has been ruled out for the Week 1 home opener against the Washington Commanders due to a pectoral injury. Greenard suffered the strain lifting weights over the summer, opening a defensive rotation opportunity for teammates Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt.
Jonathan Greenard Pectoral Injury and Offseason Contract
The Philadelphia Eagles released their third and final official injury report of the week on Friday ahead of Sunday’s season-opener against the Washington Commanders on Sept. 13, confirming that prized offseason addition Jonathan Greenard will miss the divisional matchup at home. Greenard sustained a pectoral muscle strain while working out over the summer, an injury he described as a freak thing that did not require surgery. Despite returning to practice for the first time on Wednesday after missing all of training camp, he remained a limited participant throughout the week and was ultimately left off the active game-day roster.
The absence sidelines one of the most prominent defensive acquisitions on the roster. Philadelphia signed Greenard following a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, where he underwent shoulder surgery last December and was subsequently held out of team drills during the spring. His rehabilitation kept him sidelined for the entirety of training camp and placed him on the PUP list, meaning that he couldn’t practice until he came off the list, which happened on Aug. 30.
Jonathan Greenard Assesses Recovery Timeline
Speaking to reporters at his locker for the first time Thursday, Greenard offered an assessment of where his body stands as he works back to full strength. While eager to return to the field, he acknowledged that his recovery remains a gradual process.
“I’m feeling solid. Obviously, it’s not 100%, but in a pretty good spot to where I feel (close enough to play). I can feel good doing a couple reps in X, Y and Z, and then you may feel a little something. At the same time, it’s a marathon. So as much as I’m ready to get out there, I have to listen to the body, listen to the training staff and I’ll know when it’s right.”
Jonathan Greenard, Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher
Both head coach Nick Sirianni and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio described Greenard’s status as day-to-day throughout the week of preparation. Although the edge rusher intimated his recovery should not be much longer, stating We’re close — know that,
the coaching staff and training staff elected for patience rather than rushing him back before he’s ready for Week 1, leaving open the possibility that Greenard might be ready for Week 2.
Defensive Rotation Adjustments Against Washington
Vic Fangio Deploys Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio must now reshuffle his pass-rushing personnel to account for Greenard’s absence, determining which edge defender can provide the most dependable snaps opposite the other projected starters. Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt are scheduled to start in Greenard’s absence, offering athleticism alongside offseason veteran additions A.J. Epenesa and Arnold Ebiketie, whom the Eagles signed in the offseason to provide additional depth to the rotation and give the group another experienced option.
The Eagles catch a notable break in their matchup against an entirely exploitable Commanders offensive line. Washington enters the contest with key losses on their injured reserve list, notably missing starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil and starting cornerback Trey Amos. Additionally, Washington is thinner at edge rusher than normal with Deatrich Wise Jr. on the reserve/PUP list and Dorance Armstrong suspended for Week 1, while the Commanders also listed OLB K’Lavon Chaisson (knee), RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin), OLB Odafe Oweh (calf), and DT Daron Payne (knee) as limited in practice all week. These opposing absences give Philadelphia’s restructured defensive front room for error as they evaluate younger pass rushers.
Eli Stowers Injury Status and Additional Roster Moves
Eli Stowers Hamstring Issue and Tight End Depth
Beyond Greenard’s status, rookie tight end Eli Stowers was listed as questionable on the final injury report due to a hamstring issue that limited him all week after missing the last week of training camp. Speaking to reporters after practice on Friday, Stowers said he expects to play, though his duties will likely center on special teams given the depth ahead of him, and even if healthy enough to play, he might be a healthy scratch anyway as the Eagles’ fourth tight end.
With veteran tight ends Dallas Goedert and Johnny Mundt, who’s known as a blocking tight end, holding down the primary roles, Stowers views the early weeks as a developmental window since he is relatively new to the position. It's a really good opportunity to learning (how to block) better,
Stowers said of competing every single day to be able to get better, noting the rookie could still provide another receiving option for Jalen Hurts, particularly in the red zone and on third down, though his workload could be limited.
Jakorian Bennett and Grant Calcaterra Injury Status
The rest of the active roster is healthy and ready to play as the Eagles pretty much accomplished their goal of having just about everyone on the 53-man roster healthy for their season-opener. Other players featured on the Philadelphia Eagles injury report on Friday include cornerback Jakorian Bennett, tight end Grant Calcaterra, safety Andre’ Sam, and wide receiver Johnny Wilson. Bennett and Calcaterra are eligible to return to the active roster after Week 4, while Sam and Wilson are out for the season on the reserve/non-football injury list.
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