Eagles forced into major roster moves after unexpected injuries

The Philadelphia Eagles have started the 2025 NFL season with a 3-0 record in large part because of the efforts of their defense.

Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio has overseen a defense that has allowed 22 points or less in 18 of their last 24 games played (regular and postseason). In-game adjustments have been the strength of Fangio's Defense during his first 24 games in Philadelphia, allowing just 9.1 Points Per Game Against in the second half of games (regular and postseason).

But if there is a weakness for the Eagles defense entering the 2025 NFL season, was the pass rush. The loss of Josh Sweat and Milton Williams to Free Agency along with Brandon Graham's retirement, means that Philadelphia lost 40 percent of their Sack Production from last season.

After the first three games of the 2025 season, there are 17 NFL teams with more Quarterback Pressures than the Eagles (21). Also, only two NFL teams have fewer Sacks (Titans and Panthers) than the Eagles (3) this season.

Major Eagles Injury News Drops On Wednesday

A few hours after Head Coach Nick Sirianni spoke to the media, the team announced the following roster moves as a result of the latest injuries:

*Cornerback Jakorian Bennett, Wide Receiver Darius Cooper, and Edge Rusher Nolan Smith are all placed on Injured Reserve
*Safety Marcus Epps, Tight End Cam Latu, and Cornerback Parry Nickerson have been signed to the Active 53-man roster
*Linebacker Lance Dixon, Defensive Back Eli Ricks, and Wide Receiver Quez Watkins have been signed to the Practice Squad

Reports by ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter and NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport state that Nolan Smith sustained an injury to the same Triceps had had surgery on this offseason. Insidethebirds.com Eagles Reporter Andrew Dicecco reports that Smith's injury will not require any surgery.

Multiple reports state that the Eagles hope to have Smith return from his Triceps Injury for either the New York Giants game on October 26th or the Green Bay Packers game on November 10th.

Without Smith available for at least the next 4 weeks, the Eagles will see if veteran Edge Rusher Joshua Uche, Za'Darius Smith, and Azeez Ojulari can fill the Edge Rusher void. In 2025, Uche has been on the field for 28.8 percent of the Eagles Defensive Plays, and Z. Smith has played a total of 44 snaps over the last two games.

The loss of Jakorian Bennett for at least four weeks complicates an already in flux Cornerback position for Philadelphia. With Adoree Jackson playing inconsistently, Bennett was in line to get playing time in 2025.

Without Bennett, the primary backup at Cornerback is Kelee Ringo, who struggled during Eagles Preseason games and Training Camp when given opportunities. Bringing back Eli Ricks to the Practice Squad and adding Parry Nickerson to the Active Roster are important depth additions in case there are more injuries over the coming weeks.

Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman has never been afraid to reshape the roster from week-to-week to make sure the best team is on the field each week. Some of those players Roseman has acquired over the years played High School Football in New Jersey: