Eagles and Bucs depth will be tested in showdown of undefeated teams

The Philadelphia Eagles have started a season 3-0 for the third time in the last five seasons under Head Coach Nick Sirianni. But over the last five years, there is one team that has given Sirianni's Eagles to most trouble.

Since 2021, the Eagles are 1-4 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the regular season and playoffs combined. The only Philadelphia Head Coach with a winning record against the Bucs over the last 25 years is Andy Reid.

But heading into this Sunday's matchup, both teams are dealing with injuries that will impact the game, which will be played in what is expected to be a very hot day in Tampa.

The Eagles Are Healthier Than Expected For NFL Week 4

Philadelphia got the first round of Injury News earlier this week when the team placed Edge Rusher Nolan Smith on Injured Reserve. The 24-year-old from the University of Georgia sustained a short-term injury to the same Triceps he had surgery on this past offseason.

The Eagles will lean on Veteran Pass Rushers Joshua Uche, Za'Darius Smith, and Azeez Ojulari without Nolan Smith this Sunday. In 2025, Uche has been on the field for 28.8 percent of the Eagles' Defensive Plays, while Z. Smith has played a total of 44 snaps over the last two games, and Ojulari has been inactive for the first three games of the season.

The good news for the Eagles is that Lane Johnson returned to practice this week after being forced to leave the game last Sunday's game. Johnson sustained a "stinger" versus the Rams but has been a Full Participant at practice the last couple of days.

Cornerback Adoree Jackson is the only Eagles player with an Injury Designation for this Sunday's game. Jackson sustained a Groin Injury that forced him to leave the game versus the Rams. Jackson, who is listed as Doubtful for Sunday in Tampa, did practice all week so there is still an outside chance he can play versus the Buccaneers.

Linebackers Zack Baun (Knee) and Jihaad Campbell (Triceps) both were Limited Participants at Thursday's practice. Both have been wearing braces due to their injuries, so even though they will be available to play this Sunday, we are unsure how close to 100 percent they are health-wise.

Will Shipley was a Full Participant at Eagles Practice this week and has been cleared to return.  Multiple reports said that the Eagles Running Back had sustained a "fractured rib", but the organization's official Injury Report has labeled Shipley's injury as "Oblique". The 23-year-old from Clemson will be a welcome addition to the Eagles Kick and Punt Return units on Special Teams.

Latest Injury News For The Buccaneers

Bucs Head Coach Todd Bowles told the media on Friday that while Quarterback Baker Mayfield will be listed as Questionable for Sunday's game, but "should be OK" to play. Mayfield is dealing with a Right Biceps issue that has made him a Limited Participant at practice this week.

Tampa is dealing with numerous injuries to their offensive line with both Luke Goedeke and Cody Mauch on Injured Reserve. The Bucs got some good news this week with the return of Tristan Wirfs; The First-Team All-Pro Tackle had been dealing with a knee injury and is expected to play on Sunday.

The Buccaneers will not have Wide Receiver Mike Evans for the next four weeks after he sustained a Hamstring Strain in Tampa's win over the Jets last Sunday. But the team expects WR Chris Godwin to return to the field for the first time since October 21, 2024. Godwin suffered an ankle fracture-dislocation that required surgery last year.

The other player the Buccaneers will be without this Sunday is Defensive Back Christian Izien. The 25-year-old Defensive Back is a Special Teams contributor and primary backup Safety for the Tampa Bay Defense.

We mentioned that Jihaad Campbell has been cleared to play in NFL Week Four. Did you know that Campbell is a member of an exclusive group of New Jersey High School Football players who have played games in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles: