The Philadelphia Eagles' thrilling comeback win against the Los Angeles Rams came at a cost. On Wednesday, it was reported that outside linebacker Nolan Smith was placed on injured reserve after re-aggravating the left triceps injury he had surgery on this past offseason. The setback sidelines the 2023 first-round pick just as he was starting to carve out a larger role in the defensive rotation. In addition, wide receiver Darius Cooper and cornerback Jakorian Bennett were also placed on IR, further testing the team’s depth on both sides of the ball.
The roster moves highlight the physical toll of Sunday’s game, where multiple key Eagles appeared to be banged up in practice.
Eagles Appear to Be Banged Up After Comeback vs. Rams
Philadelphia fell behind 26-7 early against Los Angeles, only to storm back with a second-half surge fueled by defensive intensity and timely playmaking. Linebackers Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell spearheaded a dominant defensive effort that helped fuel a remarkable turnaround. The Eagles outscored the Rams 27-3 in the second half, a shift largely fueled by relentless pressure, timely tackles, and opportunistic turnovers.
While the victory showcased Philadelphia’s resilience and adaptability, it also left two of the team’s best defenders managing the aftermath of a physically demanding contest as preparation for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers begins.
According to Eagles insider John Clark, Baun, who finished the game with 7 tackles and an interception, appeared to be nursing a left leg injury during Wednesday’s practice. This suggests that he is dealing with lingering soreness or a minor injury from the Rams game.
Campbell, who recorded 8 tackles, wore a sleeve on his right leg, indicating he, too, is recovering from physical strain sustained during the comeback. Both linebackers have been key contributors all season, ranking fifth and ninth, respectively, in Pro Football Focus grades. Their presence on the field has been a stabilizing force for a relatively young defense, and Wednesday’s practice highlighted just how much their bodies are taxed in games that demand maximum effort.
The losses of Smith, Cooper, and Bennett already put strain on Philadelphia’s depth chart, and the lingering knocks to Baun and Campbell only heighten the urgency. Baun, the veteran leader who signed a three-year, $51 million extension this offseason, has been a cornerstone in defensive alignment and communication. Campbell, this year’s first-round pick, has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young linebackers in the league.
Their ability to stay on the field not only impacts the Eagles’ ability to win now, but also the long-term durability of the defense.
With a Week 4 matchup looming against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—a team boasting a balanced offense and one of the league’s more efficient quarterbacks in Baker Mayfield—the Eagles’ defensive game plan could hinge on the availability of their linebacking duo.
The coaching staff faces a delicate balance: managing practice reps and recovery while ensuring the unit is sharp enough to handle another high-stakes contest. How Philadelphia navigates this challenge may determine whether its early-season momentum continues or stalls under the weight of mounting injuries.