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Philadelphia Eagles' defense takes brutal injury hit before Week 4 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kelsey Kramer | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 11:20 PM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles took a surprising and brutal injury hit to their defense on Wednesday afternoon as they prepare to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, starting outside linebacker Nolan Smith is headed to the Injured Reserve with a triceps injury. Unfortunately, this injury is nothing new, as Smith had already undergone surgery on the same arm following the Eagles’ Super Bowl win in February.

Smith is projected to return by November 10, when the Eagles take on the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football.

"Sources: Eagles OLB Nolan Smith strained his triceps Sunday, and now is expected to be sidelined through the team’s Nov. 2 bye. He could return for the Monday night Nov. 10 game at Green Bay. Smith had triceps surgery a week after the Super Bowl and aggravated the injury last week. The plan now is to let him rest, then return after the bye," Schefter wrote on X/Twitter.

Sources: Eagles OLB Nolan Smith strained his triceps Sunday, and now is expected to be sidelined through the team’s Nov. 2 bye. He could return for the Monday night Nov. 10 game at Green Bay. Smith had triceps surgery a week after the Super Bowl and aggravated the injury last… https://t.co/JBKEH0ZnKP pic.twitter.com/KdrR1R50oy
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 24, 2025

Smith has logged 10 total tackles and a forced fumble through three games so far.

Who Will Philly Turn in Place of Nolan Smith?

While Smith's injury is devastating news, the Eagles' depth runs deep at the position with Za'Darius Smith, Josh Uche, Azeez Ojulari, and Jalyx Hunt, among those who could step up in his place.

But the player who is most equipped to step up in his place is Za'Darius Smith.

Smith, whom the Eagles signed after their Week 2 win over the Dallas Cowboys, made an immediate impact in his Philly debut in Week 2. He recorded four tackles, a half sack, a tackle for loss, and one quarterback hit in the Eagles' win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

He didn't see much action in Week 3's win over the Los Angeles Rams, but he's ready for the heavier workload that is likely to come with Smith sidelined.

"It's just the next man up," Smith said. "Shoot, that's an injury that we didn't want to happen, but you know it's football, so it's a part of the game, man. So now God's like 'Oh boy, Z is to step up and basically fill that role, man. And wait until our brother gets back."

Smith also noted that he's gone from learning a part of the defense to learning the whole playbook.

"It ain't no pressure," Smith said. "I'm in Year 11. You can't put no pressure on me. I mean, I was born to do this."

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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