Eagles Suffer Major Setback as Nolan Smith Jr. Lands on Injured Reserve
The Philadelphia Eagles have been dealt a blow after placing Nolan Smith Jr. on injured reserve due to a recurring triceps issue. The young pass rusher, who had offseason surgery following an injury in Super Bowl LIX, will now miss at least four games.
The Philadelphia Eagles have been dealt a blow after placing Nolan Smith Jr. on injured reserve due to a recurring triceps issue. The young pass rusher, who had offseason surgery following an injury in Super Bowl LIX, will now miss at least four games.
Injury Timeline and Recovery Outlook
Smith re-aggravated his triceps earlier this month, forcing the team to shut him down. Before the setback, he had recorded 10 tackles and a forced fumble this season. His overall career numbers include 70 tackles and 7.5 sacks, showing his growing impact on the Eagles’ defense.
Injury Details
| Injury | Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Torn triceps (Super Bowl LIX) | February 2025 | Surgery completed |
| Aggravation | September 2025 | Placed on IR |
| Expected return | Post-November bye week | Uncertain |
What the Eagles Lose Without Smith
The defense already struggled in sack production, and losing Smith limits their edge depth. The team elevated Lance Dixon, Eli Ricks, and Quez Watkins to reinforce the roster, but the absence of Smith’s energy and pressure will be difficult to replace.
Current Defensive Challenges:
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Low sack totals early in the season
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Heavy reliance on depth players
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Adjustments to defensive schemes needed
From Georgia Star to NFL Fighter
Born in Savannah, Georgia, nolan smith became a national name at the University of Georgia, helping the Bulldogs secure back-to-back championships. Drafted in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he broke out in 2024 with 6.5 sacks in the regular season and a franchise postseason sack record.
A Different Nolan Smith Making Headlines
While Smith Jr. battles injury in the NFL, Nolan Smith Tennessee State is gaining attention in basketball. The former Duke guard and NBA player recently became head coach at Tennessee State University, marking a milestone in his career.
