Eagles' $100 Million Edge Rusher Jonathan Greenard Practices for First Time, Sunday Status Still Undecided

Jonathan Greenard strained his pectoral muscle during a weightlifting session before training camp opened in late July, and Wednesday marked the first time he's taken the practice field in front of reporters since. That's roughly six weeks lost for a player the Eagles traded two third-round picks to acquire and immediately signed to a four-year, $100 million contract with $50 million guaranteed.

He still doesn't have a clear answer on whether he'll play Sunday.

Coach Nick Sirianni was asked directly about Greenard's status ahead of the season opener against the Washington Commanders. "We'll see," Sirianni told reporters Wednesday, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. "We'll see where that is by the end of the week."

Greenard was listed as limited on Wednesday's injury report and did not speak to reporters. Sports Illustrated reported he was seen stretching during individual warmups and going through drills open to the media, calling it evidence he's "on track to be ready for the start of the year." Newsweek framed the same practice appearance as a positive but non-binding "step in the right direction."

The injury outlook has actually shifted over the past few weeks. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio told reporters late in camp he was concerned Greenard wouldn't be ready for Week 1, according to the Northeast Times. That concern looked reasonable at the time. Greenard sat on the Active/PUP list through the entire preseason and never suited up in a single exhibition game.

The Eagles removed him from PUP on Aug. 30 and placed him on the initial 53-man roster, a procedural step that matters because PUP status would have forced him to sit out at least the first four regular-season games. General manager Howie Roseman offered an upbeat update the next day. "Us not having him on PUP and missing time here shows that we anticipate him playing sooner rather than later," Roseman said, according to the Inquirer. "The guy's a tremendous football player. He's got a tremendous ability to affect the quarterback. We expect him to have a high impact on this team this season."

Greenard, 29, earned his first Pro Bowl nod with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, racking up 12 sacks, 18 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. His 2025 season with Minnesota was cut short to 12 games by a left shoulder injury that required offseason surgery. The Eagles acquired him in an April 24 trade to replace Jaelan Phillips, who left in free agency for the Carolina Panthers.

If Greenard can't go Sunday, the Eagles have options but not a like-for-like replacement. Jalyx Hunt reportedly had one of the best camps on the roster and would take over atop the depth chart, according to both the Inquirer and Sports Illustrated. Nolan Smith Jr., the 2023 first-round pick who tore his triceps during Super Bowl LIX and re-aggravated it last season, told reporters Tuesday he's fully healed: "I had a full year to re-heal, and I'm ready to go." A.J. Epenesa and Arnold Ebiketie round out the rotation.

One name notably absent from that group is Brandon Graham. The 38-year-old, 16-year veteran retired after Philadelphia's Super Bowl win last season but has floated a return given the team's depth questions at edge rusher. According to Philly Voice's Jimmy Kempski, cited by Heavy.com, the Eagles did make Graham an offer, but it came in "near the veteran minimum." Graham reportedly isn't looking to break the bank but also doesn't want to sign for minimum money without a full training camp to prepare his body. Kempski said the sides remain at an impasse, and a deal would likely require "some combination of injuries" to change the Eagles' calculus.

Sirianni's team plans to make a final call as the week progresses. The Eagles open the season Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field against Washington, and whether their $100 million pass rusher makes his Philadelphia debut in that game remains an open question with no set answer as of Wednesday's practice report.