The Eagles made a trade addition along the edge yesterday. The team’s pass rush could receive an internal boost in the near future as well. 
Nolan Smith has been designated for return from injured reserve, per a team announcement. The move allows him to return to practice and opens his 21-day activation window. If Smith is not brought onto the active roster within that span, he will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
A strained triceps muscle landed Smith on IR in September. That injury dealt a blow to Philadelphia’s EDGE room, one which has since undergone plenty of changes. Za’Darius Smith retired shortly into his Eagles tenure, while Brandon Graham has returned to the franchise after hanging up his cleats. Most recently, Jaelan Phillips has been acquired in a trade with the Dolphins.
Phillips is a pending free agent, but the Eagles parted with a third-round pick to acquire him. The 26-year-old can be expected to handle a heavy workload upon arrival, and it will be interesting to see how fares during his second stint working with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Once Smith is back in the fold, he will look to form a strong tandem along the edge with Phillips.
The 2023 first-rounder developed into a starter during his second campaign, notching 6.5 sacks. Smith was a first-team presence to begin the current season before going down. Remaining healthy the rest of the way will be critical to the Eagles’ chances of repeating as Super Bowl champions. It will be interesting to see if he is activated in time for the team’s Week 10 contest.
The Eagles have six IR activations remaining for the year. Smith will (just like cornerback Jakorian Bennett) account for one when he is brought back into the fold, something which will provide a needed spark to Philadelphia’s pass rush group.