The Philadelphia Eagles brought back one of their most explosive pass rushers just in time for a pivotal NFC clash: Nolan Smith, the 24-year-old outside linebacker, was activated from injured reserve on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:45 PM UTC, clearing him to play in their Monday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
It’s been over six weeks since Smith last took the field — a brutal triceps injury suffered in their 33-26 win over the Los Angeles Rams on September 21, 2025, sidelined him for five straight games. But now, after being cleared as a full participant in practice since early last week, Smith is back. And the timing couldn’t be better.
Smith’s Return Is a Game-Changer
Smith isn’t just any linebacker. He’s the guy who terrorized quarterbacks last season. During the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX championship run, he racked up 6.5 sacks in the regular season — more than any other edge rusher on the team — and added four more in the playoffs. That kind of pressure doesn’t just show up on the stat sheet; it changes how offenses line up.
This season, before the injury, Smith had already logged 10 tackles and one forced fumble in just three games. His presence alone forces quarterbacks to hurry throws, opens lanes for the interior line, and gives the Eagles’ secondary more room to play aggressive coverage. The defense has been good without him — but it’s been missing that elite, game-wrecking edge.
Turns out, Smith didn’t just sit around waiting. He spent the last month rehabbing with the intensity of someone who knew this game mattered. "He’s been in the building every day," one coach told reporters. "Not just rehabbing — studying film, asking questions, pushing guys in practice. He’s ready."
Who’s Replacing Him? (And Who’s Coming In)
While Smith was out, the Eagles turned to Patrick Johnson, a 27-year-old veteran who’s bounced between the practice squad and active roster like a ping-pong ball. Drafted in the seventh round by Philadelphia in 2021, Johnson was waived, claimed by the New York Giants, and then re-signed by the Eagles this offseason on a one-year deal. He’s played in seven games this year with five tackles and one sack — solid, but not explosive.
Now, with Smith back, Johnson remains on the active roster as depth — not because he’s been replaced, but because the Eagles are stacking their edge rushers like a deck of cards. And that’s where things get interesting.
They also welcomed back Brandon Graham, the 37-year-old defensive end who briefly retired in October before returning to the team last week. Graham, a franchise icon, brings leadership and technique — not speed, but an uncanny ability to time the snap and bend around tackles.
And then there’s Jaelan Phillips, the former Dolphins edge rusher traded to Philadelphia at the deadline. He’s yet to play for the Eagles, but he’s practiced with the team and is expected to make his debut Monday. He had three sacks in Miami this season — and he’s younger, faster, and more athletic than Graham.
That’s three edge rushers who’ve all been productive this season — Smith, Phillips, and Graham — all healthy and ready to go. The Packers’ offensive line, already dealing with injuries, now faces a nightmare.
Why This Game Matters
The Eagles are 6-3. The Packers are 5-4. Both teams are fighting for playoff positioning in the NFC. A win here doesn’t just mean a better record — it means momentum. It means confidence. It means the Eagles are no longer just a team that can win with Jalen Hurts’ arm — they’re a team that can dominate with their defense.
And Green Bay? Their offense, led by Jordan Love, has been inconsistent. They’ve struggled protecting the quarterback — giving up 28 sacks this season, tied for 10th-most in the league. Facing Smith, Phillips, and Graham all at once? That’s a recipe for chaos.
Meanwhile, the Packers’ own defensive star — former cornerback Jaire Alexander — won’t be on the field. The two-time Pro Bowler, traded from Green Bay to Philadelphia via Baltimore, is still recovering from a knee injury and didn’t make the trip. He’ll be watching from the sidelines, a ghost of his former self in the city where he once ruled.
What’s Next?
If Smith plays like he did last season — and there’s no reason to think he won’t — the Eagles could be looking at a dominant defensive performance. That would signal a shift: not just a team with a great quarterback, but a team with a championship-caliber defense again.
And if Phillips makes an immediate impact? That trade suddenly looks like a masterstroke. The Eagles didn’t just get Smith back — they upgraded.
For now, the focus is on Monday night. The lights will be bright. The crowd will be loud. And for the first time in six weeks, Nolan Smith will be running toward the quarterback — not away from the trainer’s table.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Nolan Smith’s return for the Eagles’ playoff chances?
Smith’s return is huge. He was the Eagles’ most consistent pass rusher in 2024, with 6.5 regular-season sacks and four more in the playoffs. His ability to collapse the pocket forces quarterbacks into mistakes — something critical against Green Bay’s inconsistent offensive line. With Smith, Jaelan Phillips, and Brandon Graham all healthy, Philadelphia now has three elite edge threats, dramatically improving their chances of winning a playoff game on the road.
Why didn’t the Eagles activate Jakorian Bennett or Willie Lampkin too?
The Eagles prioritized defensive depth over offensive and secondary reinforcement. Bennett, a cornerback, and Lampkin, an offensive lineman, were both on IR, but the team chose to keep their roster focused on the pass rush — the unit most critical for beating Green Bay. They’re banking on their current offensive line holding up and using their cornerbacks in zone schemes to compensate for Bennett’s absence.
What’s the status of Jaelan Phillips’ debut?
Phillips is expected to play his first game for the Eagles on Monday night, though his snap count may be limited as he adjusts to the playbook. He had three sacks in Miami this season and brings a burst of speed the Eagles haven’t had since Derek Barnett left. His presence allows Smith to occasionally play inside on passing downs, creating mismatches against tackles who aren’t built for speed.
How does this affect the Packers’ offensive strategy?
Green Bay’s offensive line has given up 28 sacks this season — a major red flag. With Smith, Phillips, and Graham all healthy, the Packers may need to use extra blockers, shortening passing windows and limiting Jordan Love’s ability to stretch the field. Expect more quick slants and screen passes, and fewer deep throws — exactly what the Eagles want.
Is Nolan Smith’s contract up for renewal soon?
Yes. Smith is in the third year of a four-year, $13.05 million deal with a $6.49 million signing bonus. The Eagles hold a fifth-year option for 2026, which they’re almost certain to exercise if he plays like he did in 2024. His performance this season — especially Monday night — will heavily influence whether the team locks him in long-term or explores a franchise tag extension next offseason.
Why did Brandon Graham come out of retirement?
Graham retired in October, citing personal reasons, but returned after the Eagles’ edge rushers began piling up injuries. At 37, he’s not the athlete he was, but his technique, leadership, and understanding of schemes make him invaluable. He’s played 14 seasons in Philadelphia — and with the team’s playoff hopes on the line, he couldn’t walk away.