The Philadelphia Eagles have had an incredible camp and preseason, keeping star players healthy while new additions have shown promise. It is exactly the mix of health and excitement you want to see the defending champs generating. If the Eagles are going to turn this into a dynasty, it will take a level of continued luck when it comes to injuries. This includes linebacker Zack Baun, who will return to practice this week after missing extended time.
Baun was re-signed earlier on a three-year deal worth $51 million, making him one of Philly's highest-paid players. This is a well-deserved pay bump, but it does create a higher level of urgency for Baun's great production to continue. Not only this, but the veteran will be relied on to help Jihaad Campbell make needed adjustments at the position. This includes dialing back the aggression that Philly welcomes when it is not directed at its own players.
The Eagles' rookie needs to learn to be able to turn his intensity up and down as the situation demands. With this in mind, Baun is the perfect option to help Campbell with this issue. As the Eagles continue to approach the regular season, it is great to see the starting defense back and truly healthy once again.
Vic Fangio announces that LB Zack Baun will practice a little today— for the first time in a long time.
— Gabriella Galati (@ella_galati) August 18, 2025
He hopes Baun’s presence will also help rookie Jihaad Campbell settle in #Eagles pic.twitter.com/bVj5jeeyGA
Key Eagles Defender Returns to Practice at Perfect Time
Philadelphia is going to have a tall task defending the NFC as an intense schedule and the burden of being the defending champs catches up to the franchise. While the roster and coaching are all in place for this to happen, it is still an incredibly difficult road that is going to require focus and key pieces staying consistently healthy. Baun unquestionably qualifies as an incredibly important piece, and his return must be highlighted.
The Eagles' defense has lost a handful of players throughout the offseason to free agency or trades as the franchise was forced to shuffle cap space. Still, it is an incredibly talented unit whose biggest question mark remains the middle of the field and the final starting corner. Baun wipes away one of these concerns and can help Campbell do the same.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio noted this in a recent presser, talking about Baun's importance and expected impact on the Philly rookie. It is a noteworthy comment speaking to the level of confidence Philly has in the linebacker and the level of belief in the heights Campbell can reach, even in the linebacker's rookie season.