One of the biggest Week 1 questions hanging over the Eagles is whether Jonathan Greenard will be on the field Sunday against the Washington Commanders.
The star pass rusher has been out since suffering a pectoral injury before training camp, and he sat out the entire summer. Philadelphia did not place him on the physically unable to perform list after camp, a move that points to a return sometime soon. The only real question is when.
On Wednesday, Nick Sirianni didn’t offer much certainty.
“Yeah, we’ll see,” Sirianni said when asked if Greenard will suit up against Washington.
Sirianni did say Greenard has “worked his butt off” while rehabbing the injury, but the Eagles don’t appear eager to force the issue if he isn’t fully ready. With a player they expect to matter over the long haul, the safer play may be waiting until he is completely healthy.
Philadelphia’s investment in Greenard was significant. The Eagles landed him from the Vikings during the 2026 NFL Draft, sending the 98th pick in the third round and a 2027 third-round pick to Minnesota while getting a 2026 seventh-round pick back. They also handed him a four-year, $100 million extension that includes $50 million fully guaranteed.
That kind of deal came with the expectation that Greenard would be the team’s top pass rusher this season. Instead, the injury has put that plan on hold.
If Greenard isn’t ready right away, third-year edge rusher Jalyx Hunt could end up stepping into the lead role. Hunt broke out during training camp and may be asked to carry more of the load if Greenard needs more time.
Greenard’s résumé explains why the Eagles made the bet. He had 12 sacks in 2024 and 12.5 sacks in 2023, establishing himself as one of the league’s best pass rushers in Minnesota.
Last season was a different story, though. He played in only 12 games because of a shoulder injury and finished with three sacks.
Now the Eagles are hoping he can bounce back in 2026 and show he still belongs among the elite. A contract worth $25 million per year says they still believe he does.
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