Eagles Rule Out Pro Bowl Defender For Week 1 Opener vs Commanders

The Philadelphia Eagles will be taking on the Washington Commanders to open the new 2026 NFL season.

Philadelphia will be looking for some redemption after being bounced out in the wild-card round of the playoffs last season. The Eagles have a new look on offense, with a strong defense that is ready to show out.

However, in Week 1 against the Commanders, Philadelphia will be without one of its best defenders. The Eagles have ruled out linebacker Jonathan Greenard for the game due to a pec injury.

Greenard came to the Eagles this offseason via trade from the Minnesota Vikings. Upon his arrival with the Eagles, Greenard signed a four-year, $100 million deal, with $50 million of it guaranteed.

Last season with the Vikings, Greenard played in 12 games. During this time, he posted 38 total tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble.

The linebacker was expected to provide a boost to the Eagles' defense, but his presence will have to wait at least a week. Greenard's injury is a blow to the Eagles for this game, but the team does have other players who can cause damage.

The veteran did say that he is close to a return, but that he understands being patient. The last thing that Greenard wants to do is rush back, only to hurt himself even more.

“That's literally the game right now where I could feel good doing a couple reps and then you may feel a little something,” Greennard said.

“But at the same time, just a matter of it's a marathon. So as much as I'm ready to get out there, I just have to listen to my body, listen to the training staff. And I'll know when it's time.”

Going up against the Commanders, the Eagles will be trying to slow down quarterback Jayden Daniels and company. Daniels is coming off a tough 2025 season, and the Eagles defense is looking to pick up right where they left off a year ago.

Philadelphia has a strong interior defensive line, which could cause problems for the Commanders. But making sure to get off to a strong start in this game could be huge for the Eagles, especially with this being a division matchup.

The Eagles want to silence any doubters coming into the new season, and getting a win over Washington could do just that. Kickoff between the two sides will take place at 1:25 p.m. PT/4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.