The Philadelphia Eagles have their first preseason game taking place this week, as they host the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday. The majority of starters likely won't even play in this contest, which gives depth guys the chance to stick out.
While it's great to finally suit up against another team, the Eagles have some in-house concerns going on with one key member of the 2024 Super Bowl run.
Eagles injury report
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) August 4, 2025
WILL NOT PRACTICE
Zack Baun - back
AJ Brown - hamstring
Lewis Cine - hamstring
Montrell Johnson - hamstring
Trevor Keegan - back
Terrace Marshall - knee
Byron Young - groin
Eagles LB Zack Baun Misses 5th Practice Due to Back
Linebacker Zack Baun suffered a back contusion last week, and it's still sidelining him on Monday, making this five straight practice absences. That isn't what the Eagles want to see from one of their best defensive players, especially after inking him to a three-year, $51 million deal that included $34 million guaranteed.
Baun's 151 total tackles, 11 TFLs, five forced fumbles, four pass deflections, and 3.5 sacks led Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro nods in 2024 with the Birds. His ability to be a true difference maker in the middle of the field made it an easy decision to give him that new contract.
Despite the regular season not starting until Sept. 4 at home against the Dallas Cowboys, getting these live practice reps goes a long way. Most starters don't play in the preseason, so stepping out on the practice field is the best way to get ready for the upcoming campaign.
The linebacker spot has seen Jihaad Campbell miss time this spring while Nakobe Dean is rehabbing from a knee injury.
However, Campbell has made some very positive impressions since his return. Eagles reporter Zach Berman pointed out the rookie was already taking first-team reps with the defense on July 26, and it appears that the starting duo in the middle will be Baun and Campbell.
That is what the Eagles want to trot out, but they'll need both guys out there in order to make it happen. Depending on how bad the contusion is, it can take days to months to fully heal. Philadelphia is definitely taking the slow approach with one of their best players to have him ready to roll when the season starts.
This will be something to keep an eye on going forward, as everyone in Philly wants to see Baun back out there on the practice field.