As the 2025 NFL trade deadline quietly came to an end on Tuesday, the Philadelphia Eagles revealed some exciting news about one of their top defensive talents.
The team reported that they have officially opened the 21-day practice window for outside linebacker Nolan Smith Jr., who has not played since Sept. 21 after suffering a triceps injury that landed him on IR.
In corresponding moves, the Eagles also released OLB Patrick Johnson from the active roster and removed WR Terrace Marshall from the practice squad.
The practice-window designation allows Philly to bring Smith back to practice for up to 21 days; if he’s activated before the window expires, the Eagles can return him to the 53-man roster.
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The Georgia product was a first-round pick (No. 30 overall) in 2023 and quickly worked his way into real snaps, flashing as a complementary edge rusher.
After a 2024 season that included 6.5 sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and 42 total tackles over 16 games, Smith entered this season with higher expectations as a key piece in a deep Eagles front.
He underwent surgery earlier in the year to repair a torn triceps he originally hurt in the Super Bowl run and was expected to be available for the season before the latest setback.
Through the first three games of the season prior to the injury, he totaled 10 tackles and one forced fumble.
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Through Week 9, the Eagles sit atop the NFC East at 6-2 and have generally maintained top-tier status in the conference despite injuries and turnover on the defensive line.
Philadelphia’s schedule now points to a prime-time matchup at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers in Week 10 — a rematch of last year’s Wild Card playoff meeting that’s set for “Monday Night Football” on Nov. 10.
The practice-window move doesn’t necessarily guarantee immediate gameday availability, but it’s the clearest indication yet that Philly expects Smith to matter this season.
If he looks right in practice, the Eagles could quickly gain a meaningful boost to a pass rush that will be tested over a critical upcoming stretch that features difficult matchups against the Detroit Lions (5-3), Chicago Bears (5-3), and Los Angeles Chargers (6-3).