The Philadelphia Eagles are getting healthy at the right time, with the playoffs officially starting this weekend, and that is already providing the defending champions with an advantage over the San Francisco 49ers. It appears that the Eagles are getting OT Lane Johnson and LB Nakobe Dean back, while the 49ers may be without two starters on the offensive side in Trent Williams and Ricky Pearsall.
The good injury news continued for the Eagles, as they announced that they opened the practice window for linebacker Azeez Ojulari. He missed the last 10 games due to a hamstring injury, last seeing the field during Week 7. While this is an extra depth piece along the defensive front, the odds of him cracking the defensive line rotation seem slim to none.
Azeez Ojulari Is Slated to Return for Eagles but Faces Harsh Truth
Before going down, Ojulari was a healthy scratch a couple of times. He appeared in three games in 2025, logging six total tackles, one QB hit, and zero sacks. Ojulari has played in 67 total defensive snaps in 2025.
The Eagles didn't have much faith in their defensive line rotation, and that's why they decided to trade for Jaelan Phillips ahead of the deadline. Since arriving in Philly, Phillips has been a menace upfront. In eight games, he has 28 total tackles, seven QB hits, four TFLs, four pass deflections, and two sacks. In addition, he's generated 32 hurries, seven QB hits, 77.4 overall grade, and 71.2 pass-rush grade on Pro Football Focus.
Philadelphia's defensive line room as a whole has improved and has several players ahead of Ojulari on the depth chart. That list includes Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith Jr., Brandon Graham, and Josh Uche off the edge.
With five players ahead of Ojulari in terms of pecking order, in addition to missing two and a half months, expecting to regain a spot in the rotation is wishful thinking. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio doesn't hide his feelings about anyone on his unit and will play the best players.
From how it looked earlier in the season, Ojulari wasn't one of their best pass rushers. That's why they made a move to bring in Phillips and Graham. The Eagles added Ojulari on a one-year, $3 million deal, but this will likely be a one-and-done.
Again, he gives them extra depth in the edge room, and that's always welcomed in the postseason. Yet, the writing is likely on the wall in terms of his playing future with the Eagles. A lot changed from the last time he played, and none of it worked out in his favor.