The Eagles are likely to be even more shorthanded along the edge for the remainder of the season. Ogbo Okoronkwo exited Philadelphia’s game on Sunday and he is in danger of missing the rest of the campaign. 
Further testing is needed, but Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports Okoronkwo is feared to have suffered a triceps tear. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirms that is indeed the expectation in this case. Season-ending surgery will be required provided a tear did in fact take place.
If that is true, the Eagles’ edge rush depth will be tested even further. Nolan Smith is on injured reserve due to a triceps injury of his own, although surgery is not believed to be necessary in his case. Smith is in line to return sometime after the bye (Week 9), but especially until that point Philadelphia’s setup along the edge will be a talking point.
Brandon Graham retired this offseason, one in which Josh Sweat departed in free agency. Those losses led to questions in term of pass rush production for the defending champions. Smith has worked as a starter when healthy, and 2024 third-rounder Jalyx Hunt has seen a major uptick in usage compared to his rookie season. Free agent pickup Za’Darius Smith‘s snap share sits at 40% right now, and that figure could rise with Okoronkwo out of the picture.
During his two years in Cleveland, Okoronkwo served as a regular on the edge but only operated as a starter late in 2024. The 30-year-old was released this offseason but lined up a deal with the Eagles in time for training camp. Okoronkwo made his season debut yesterday but was limited to only four snaps before suffering the injury. If he is indeed facing a season-long absence, the Oklahoma product’s market value will obviously take a major hit.
In the wake of this latest EDGE injury, Azeez Ojulari could find himself on the field moving forward. The former Giant took a one-year Eagles deal in free agency, but he has yet to play this season. Prior to Sunday’s game, EJ Smith of PHLY Sports observed Ojulari’s time in Philadelphia could be coming to an end. That could now change with the Eagles facing another pass rush absence, however.