A Torn Triceps Sets Back Eagles’ Rising Star
Nolan Smith, the dynamic edge rusher for the Philadelphia Eagles, recently underwent surgery to repair a torn left triceps muscle he sustained during Super Bowl LIX. The injury was reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, who noted that Smith will likely be back on the field for the 2025 season. The timing of the tear is unclear, but it’s evident that his play was impacted, as he played only 30 snaps in the Super Bowl, a significant reduction from his average of 60 snaps in the Eagles’ first three postseason games. This dip in playing time is the fewest he has had since Brandon Graham’s injury against the Rams in Week 12 of the 2023 season, when Smith began to see more action on the field.
A Promising 2024 Season Cut Short
Smith, a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, had a breakthrough 2024 season, registering 6.5 sacks over the last 12 regular-season games. His performance in the postseason was equally impressive, contributing 4.0 sacks in the Eagles’ playoff run. This total of 10.5 sacks in his last 16 games solidified his status as a rising star in the league. His 4.0 sacks in the postseason are the second-most ever by an Eagle and rank as the second-highest total in NFL history for a player 23 or younger. Only Greg Townsend of the Raiders, who later played for the Eagles, recorded more with 4.5 sacks in 1983 when he was 22 years old. Smith also had half a sack against Tampa in the 2023 wild-card game, bringing his total to 4.5 sacks before his 24th birthday, a mark that places him third in NFL history behind George Karlaftis III and J.J. Watt.
Playing Through the Pain
During Super Bowl LIX, the Eagles faced the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans, and Smith’s absence was noticeable. He did not record a sack or any tackles in the game, a stark contrast to his previous performances where he had 16 tackles in the first three postseason games. However, he wasn’t alone in battling through a significant injury. Brandon Graham, another key edge rusher for the Eagles, played just 13 snaps despite undergoing surgery to repair a torn triceps 11 weeks earlier. The resilience shown by both players underscores the toughness and dedication of the Eagles’ defensive line.
Eagles’ Postseason Sack Leaders
The Eagles’ defense has been a cornerstone of their success, and the 2024 postseason was no exception. Remarkably, three members of this year’s team—Graham, Josh Sweat, and Smith—hold the top spots for the most sacks in Eagles postseason history. Graham leads with 5.5 sacks, followed by Sweat with 5.0, and Smith with 4.5. This collective achievement highlights the depth and talent of the Eagles’ defensive line and their ability to dominate opposing offenses even in the highest-pressure situations. However, the future of this unit is uncertain, with Sweat entering free agency and Graham, who will turn 37 in April, contemplating retirement.
The Path Forward for Smith
Despite the setback, Smith’s future in Philadelphia looks promising. His potential and recent performances have made him a valuable asset to the team. The Eagles will likely focus on his recovery, ensuring that he returns to full strength for the 2025 season. Smith’s journey from a promising rookie to a key player in just a couple of years has been nothing short of impressive. The team’s investment in his development is expected to continue, and they will be counting on him to step up in the absence of veterans like Sweat and Graham. The next few months will be crucial for Smith as he undergoes rehabilitation and works to regain his form.
Eyes on the Future
As the Eagles prepare for the 2025 season, the focus will be on building a strong and versatile defensive line. With Sweat potentially leaving and Graham considering retirement, the responsibility will fall on younger players like Smith, Jalyx Hunt, and Bryce Huff. These players have shown flashes of brilliance and have the potential to grow into impactful contributors. The team will need to balance the development of these young talents with the recruitment of experienced veterans to maintain their defensive prowess. For now, the Eagles and their fans can take solace in knowing that despite the injury, Smith is expected to make a full recovery and continue his ascent as one of the league’s top edge rushers.
