The Eagles’ defense took a major hit on Wednesday.
The franchise placed star pass rusher Nolan Smith Jr. on injured reserve after he strained his triceps during Sunday’s game against the Rams, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Philadelphia is hoping Smith can come back after their Week 9 bye, setting him up to return for the Eagles’ Nov. 10 Monday night matchup against the Packers.
Smith’s injury is a re-aggravation of the same left triceps that he had surgery on a week after the Eagles’ Super Bowl win in February.
The 2023 first-round pick out of Georgia had a solid sophomore season for the Eagles in 2024, racking up 6.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hits and eight tackles for loss.
Smith didn’t have a sack through three games this season, although he had 10 total tackles and a forced fumble.
During the Eagles’ postseason run last season, Smith had four total sacks, including two quarterback hits during the Super Bowl.
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The team also placed wide receiver Darius Cooper and cornerback Jakorian Bennett on IR on Wednesday.
It wasn’t all bad news on the injury front for the Eagles on Wednesday.
Right tackle Lane Johnson and linebacker Zack Baun had helmets at practice after suffering injuries on Sunday, although neither players were full participants.
The Eagles will take on the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay on Sunday in a battle between undefeated NFC teams.
