Philadelphia may finally get a look at the pass rusher it spent big to bring in.
Eagles edge rusher Jonathan Greenard was listed as questionable for Monday’s game against the Chicago Bears on the team’s final injury report of the week, and he sounded encouraged after taking part in Saturday’s practice. It was the first time he has been a full participant this season.
Greenard has been sidelined since suffering a pectoral injury, missing all of training camp and the first two games of the year. Even so, he said the call on whether he suits up will rest with the team’s medical and coaching staffs.
“I trust their judgement. They’re gonna let me know,” Greenard said at the Jefferson Health Training Complex.
“I feel good. I had a solid week.
So we’ll see what they say.
“I’m usually pessimistic. But I’m optimistic.
I’m ready to get out there. ... We’ll see.
But I am ready, for sure.”
The Eagles opened camp with Greenard on the physically unable to perform list after he strained his pec while lifting before camp. He was still on the initial 53-man roster, which meant he did not start the season on PUP and would not have been forced to miss at least four games.
Philadelphia paid up for him on draft weekend, sending two third-round picks to the Minnesota Vikings and then signing him to a four-year, $98 million extension with $50 million guaranteed. The idea was clear from the start: Greenard was supposed to be a major piece of the defense well beyond this season.
For now, the Eagles have had to wait. Through two games, the pass rush has been underwhelming in wins over the Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans, with just three sacks total and only one from an edge rusher, Nolan Smith.
If Greenard does get the green light Monday, it won’t be for a full slate of snaps. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said earlier this week that Greenard is “definitely not ready for a full workload.”
Even in a limited role, though, his return would give Philadelphia a boost. Pairing him with Smith and Jalyx Hunt would make the front more dangerous - and give Chicago a tougher matchup on Monday.
In Other News...
Eagles Suddenly Face A Tougher Week 3 Question Than Expected
The Eagles went into the week expecting a clearer read on Chicagos quarterback situation, but the Bears now appear likely to be without Caleb Williams because of a hamstring injury. Tyson Bagent has cleared concussion protocol and could return to practice, which at least gives Chicago another option as it sorts through the position for Week 3.
Ben Johnson confirmed Bagents clearance, a positive development for a Bears team still trying to stabilize under center. Case Keenum could still end up starting, so Philadelphia may have to prepare for more than one possibility even as the matchup looks different than it did when the schedule first pointed to Williams. [Read more 🡒]
Eagles Suddenly Have A Week 3 WR Question Fans Did Not Expect
The Eagles entered the week expecting to sort through a familiar set of early-season injury concerns, but the wide receiver picture took an unexpected turn when Hollywood Brown was added late to the injury report with a knee issue and sat out a practice. For a team still trying to settle its passing-game rotation, the timing matters, especially with a game coming up and the depth chart suddenly looking a little thinner than it did a day earlier.
If Brown is unable to go, Elijah Moore could become part of the conversation in a bigger way. The offseason addition has not played in the first two games, but the Eagles may turn to him for specific offensive packages or even special teams work if they need another receiver available, giving him a chance to finally enter the mix at a moment when the team did not seem to be planning for one. [Read more 🡒]
Eagles Defense Suddenly Faces A Bigger Bears Problem Than Quarterback
The Bears quarterback picture has been murky all week, and that has kept a little extra attention on Chicagos visit to Philadelphia. Backup Tyson Bagent was back at practice after reportedly clearing concussion protocol, according to head coach Ben Johnson, after sitting out earlier in the week and fueling speculation that Case Keenum might get the nod if Caleb Williams remains sidelined.
For the Eagles, the bigger issue is not simply who lines up under center, but how much the uncertainty changes the shape of the game. The betting line has already moved as Bagents status has swung back and forth, and Philadelphias defense now has to prepare for a matchup that could still tilt depending on whether the Bears are dealing with one backup quarterback, another, or more late-week confusion. [Read more 🡒]