Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Jonathan Greenard has been ruled out for the September 13 season opener against the Washington Commanders due to a pectoral strain, according to team reports released Friday. Greenard missed all of training camp following a weight-room injury, leaving Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith to start in his absence.
The Philadelphia Eagles officially released their final injury report on Friday ahead of their Week 1 game against the Washington Commanders. The team ruled out one player for Sunday’s matchup: edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. Greenard is dealing with a pectoral strain that he suffered while weight training over the summer, an issue that forced him to miss the entirety of training camp.
Jonathan Greenard’s Road to Recovery and Missed Debut
Greenard arrived in Philadelphia during the offseason as a major acquisition, coming in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings. He had shoulder surgery last December while with the Vikings and was held out of team drills during the spring. Then he injured his pectoral muscle while working out before training camp. Greenard called it a “freak thing” and said it did not require surgery.
After being placed on the PUP list, meaning that he couldn’t practice until he came off the list, which happened on Aug. 30, Greenard finally returned to practice for the first time Wednesday as a limited participant. Coach Nick Sirianni and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio described Greenard’s status as day-to-day throughout the week before the final ruling on Friday.
“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
Looking ahead to his eventual return, Greenard offered an encouraging update on his timeline. We're close — know that,
Greenard said.
Defensive Adjustments and Pass-Rushing Depth Against Washington
With Greenard sidelined for the home opener, the Philadelphia Eagles will begin the regular season without one of the most accomplished players in their revamped pass-rushing rotation. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will now have to adjust his rotation and determine 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, while the Eagles also signed veterans A.J. Epenesa and Arnold Ebiketie in the offseason to provide additional depth to the rotation. Hunt and Smith offer athleticism, while Ebiketie gives the group another experienced option.
The Eagles are being patient with Greenard — and they can afford to. The Commanders are weaker in pass protection with left tackle Laremy Tunsil on injured reserve, and the Eagles believe they can get enough production out of Hunt and Smith, plus their depth, which will give Greenard more time to recover.
Rookie Eli Stowers’ Status and Roster Tweaks
Aside from Greenard, rookie tight end Eli Stowers was listed as questionable on the final injury report due to a hamstring issue that kept him limited in practice all week. Though Stowers said he expects to play, it will likely be on special teams. That’s because at tight end, the Eagles have veterans Dallas Goedert and Johnny Mundt, who’s known as a blocking tight end. That’s an area that Stowers has to learn as he’s relatively new to the position.
“It’s a really good opportunity to learning (how to block) better, to be able to compete every single day. Still trying to get better.”
Eli Stowers, Philadelphia Eagles tight end
The rest of the active roster is healthy and ready to play. Jakorian Bennett and Grant Calcaterra are eligible to return to the active roster after Week 4. Andre’ Sam and Johnny Wilson are out for the season. Meanwhile, Washington had four players listed as limited this week: OLB K’Lavon Chaisson (knee), RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin), OLB Odape Oweh (calf) and DT Daron Payne (knee). But on Sept. 11, the Commanders listed all four as eligible to play.
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