The Eagles are heading into Sunday’s season opener against the Washington Commanders without their top outside linebacker.
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Jonathan Greenard, the 29-year-old edge rusher, was ruled out on Friday as he works his way back from a pectoral injury that sidelined him throughout training camp. He was a limited participant in practice all week.
Eli Stowers, the rookie tight end out of Vanderbilt, is listed as questionable to play with a hamstring injury. However, he said in the locker room on Friday that “the plan” for him is to play.
Stowers was also a limited participant in practice this week.
The Eagles acquired Greenard this offseason from the Minnesota Vikings and signed him to a contract extension, adding pass-rush prowess to the defense after Jaelan Phillips departed in free agency. Greenard said on Thursday that he feels good, but he wasn’t certain about his timeline to return to game action.
“I feel I’m in a good spot,” Greenard said. “Just know that. I know that I’m working every day to continue to try to get this thing stronger. We’re close, I know that.”
He confirmed that he sustained the pectoral injury prior to camp while lifting. Greenard was sidelined during the offseason program, too, as he recovered from the shoulder surgery that prematurely ended his 2025 season with the Vikings.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio acknowledged on Thursday that the Eagles have to be “careful” with Greenard given his lack of practice time, even when he is healthy enough to play.
“It’s going to be a while before he’s game ready for a full load,” Fangio said. “It’ll be a pretty good rotation.”
Stowers was added to the injury report the Monday after the Eagles’ second preseason contest against the New England Patriots. He did not practice during the final week of camp, nor did he play in the last preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The second-round pick had a relatively quiet performance this summer, both in training camp and in the preseason. In his pair of preseason games, Stowers played 39 offensive snaps. His only production came in the first game against the Baltimore Ravens, when he had three receptions for 12 yards.
Stowers also had 20 special-teams snaps through two games, finishing with one tackle.
Despite his slow start, Ryan Mahaffey, the Eagles tight ends coach, spoke highly of his development since the start of training camp earlier this month.
“I think for any rookie, as you’re coming into the NFL, it’s an adjustment, regardless of the position you play,” Mahaffey said. “And for him, I think he’s been very diligent about his preparation each and every single day. He’s growing each and every single rep that he has. So I’m excited about him, and I’m excited about the trajectory he’s on. I think he’s going to continue to get better just as he gets more time on task.”
The regular season is almost here! All the preseason talk has been about Jalen Hurts and new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. But there’s somebody else who will have a big say in how high the Eagles fly. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane explains why this year, in the absence of traded star A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith has to take the next step, while also taking charge of the Eagles’ wide receivers group. Plus, Jeff dips into the mailbag for listener questions about Jalen Hurts and some key roster spots. Listen here.
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