The Eagles’ depleted pass rush took another hit Sunday when Nolan Smith exited after helmet-to-helmet contact with Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard while rushing the passer.
Smith eventually walked off under his own power before entering the medical tent, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and ESPN’s Tim McManus. McManus later reported that Smith headed indoors. An official injury designation was not immediately available.
Philadelphia entered the game without edge rushers Jalyx Hunt and A.J. Epenesa, leaving an already thin rotation with another significant concern. With Smith sidelined, the Eagles were down to Jonathan Greenard, Arnold Ebiketie and Keyshawn James-Newby on the edge.
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For apparent head injury check pic.twitter.com/lUtgkBRRRi
Hunt was inactive with ankle and knee injuries, while Epenesa was unavailable because of a back injury. Smith’s departure puts more pressure on the remaining group to generate pressure against Bryce Young while handling a larger workload.
For defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Smith’s availability is now another issue to monitor as Philadelphia tries to navigate the rest of the game with limited options at a critical position.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles down to three edge rushers after Nolan Smith exits vs. Panthers