The Eagles’ veteran edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo tore his triceps before halftime during Sunday’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, marking the very first game he had been active for this season. What started as a long-awaited debut ended in the worst possible way.

A league source has now confirmed Okoronkwo will be sidelined for the remainder of 2025. A tweet on X revealed,”Ogbo Okoronkwo is expected to be done for the season, source confirmed. A hit to #Eagles depth.” It’s another blow to Philadelphia’s edge rotation, which has already been thinned out. Nolan Smith is on injured reserve with his own triceps injury and isn’t projected to return until November, leaving the Eagles stretched for pass-rush depth.

Okoronkwo, now in his seventh NFL campaign, signed with Philadelphia in July after previous stops with the Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, and Cleveland Browns. He was part of the Rams’ Super Bowl-winning squad. With Okoronkwo out during the game, the Eagles’ defense was left with Jalyx Hunt, Za’Darius Smith, and Patrick Johnson for the rest of the game. Even though the Eagles etched the win with 31-25 over the Buccaneers, not everyone had impressive gameplay.

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Linebacker Zack Baun and defensive tackle Moro Ojomo were the only players to sack Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. The Eagles still need more consistent production from edge rushers Jalyx Hunt, Josh Uche, Za’Darius Smith, and Nolan Smith. Za’Darius Smith currently leads the group in sacks, though just with a half sack.

Philadelphia’s pass rush dominated during last season’s Super Bowl run. But the team has struggled to start strong in the regular season. After losing Josh Sweat in free agency and seeing Brandon Graham retire, Eagles GM Howie Roseman bet on Nolan Smith and Hunt emerging as top pass rushers. So far, that plan hasn’t fully materialized. Smith was placed on short-term injured reserve last Wednesday and is sidelined at least three more weeks.

To address these issues, Roseman could pursue a trade for an edge rusher before the Nov. 4 deadline. Likely targets would come from teams struggling at the position. Dolphins edge Jaelan Phillips, who played under Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in 2023, could be a fit, though his 22 missed games in the past two years due to ACL and Achilles injuries make him risky. Titans’ edge Dre’Mont Jones, Saints’ Carl Granderson, and Patriots’ Keion White are other potential options.

After not being active for the first four weeks, Azeez Ojulari is likely to rejoin the rotation next week against the Denver Broncos. With Patrick Johnson possibly receiving snaps as well. For Philadelphia to dominate down the stretch, Nolan Smith must return to his playoff form. He recorded 4.5 sacks in last season’s postseason. Soon, the Eagles could pair him with a new edge rusher, but in the meantime, the rest of the group needs to elevate their disruption.

Early-season struggles for Jalen Carter

The Eagles weren’t without injuries in Tampa. RG Tyler Steen (knee) exited in the first half. While RT Lane Johnson (shoulder) and DT Jalen Carter (shoulder) left in the second half. Saquon Barkley also appeared slow to get up but remained in the game. Carter was initially listed as questionable but briefly returned before leaving again for the remainder of the contest.

Having Carter and Lane Johnson injured creates issues on both sides of the ball. Week 1 already demonstrated the impact of Carter’s absence, and while Fred Johnson is a capable backup, Lane Johnson is unique at right tackle. The Eagles face a tough schedule leading to their Week 9 bye, including matchups against the Broncos, Vikings, and two games versus the Giants.

Carter, 24, saw limited action, recording just one solo tackle before exiting. Still, he’s crucial in run defense; Tampa Bay hadn’t reached 100 rushing yards by the five-minute mark of the fourth quarter. Carter returned briefly but appeared to suffer a stinger. Which doesn’t seem serious. “Jalen Carter is coming back on the field,” per NBC Philadelphia.

This season has been unusual for Carter. He was ejected in Week 1’s win over the Cowboys after spitting on Dak Prescott. Fined $57,222 and served a one-game suspension. On the field, his production has been below prior seasons. So far, Carter has six combined tackles (two solo), five quarterback hits, and one tackle for loss. Philadelphia will look for an uptick in his performance as the season progresses.