Eagles Activate Nolan Smith From IR, Elevate Patrick Johnson for Commanders Clash
The Philadelphia Eagles made a critical defensive move on November 10, 2025, activating edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr. from injured reserve — a decision that could reshape their pass rush just before their biggest divisional test yet. The move, confirmed at 5:36 PM Central Standard Time by Pro Football Rumors and Bleeding Green Nation, comes with a complementary elevation: Patrick Lamar Johnson, the 26-year-old edge defender from Tulane, was temporarily lifted from the practice squad. This isn’t just roster housekeeping. It’s a lifeline.
Smith’s Return: A Pass Rush That Was Missing
Nolan Smith Jr., the Eagles’ 2023 first-round pick out of Georgia, hasn’t played since October 6, 2024, when he tore his right shoulder during a tackle against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Surgery followed at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, and he spent the next 13 months cycling in and out of recovery. He briefly returned for Week 7 against the New York Giants on October 20, 2025 — only to re-injure the same shoulder during practice a week later. Now, after eight straight full practices and clearance from Dr. David subs at the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Smith is back. And he’s not just back — he’s being slotted into a critical role.Defensive line coach Tracy Rocker plans to deploy Smith primarily on third downs, where his speed and bend off the edge can exploit tired offensive tackles. His presence reduces the burden on Jalen Carter and Josh Sweat, who’ve carried the load in his absence. “It’s not just about adding another body,” said one anonymous defensive assistant. “It’s about adding a guy who knows the system, who’s been here through the trenches, and who can make the quarterback think twice before stepping up.”
Patrick Johnson: The Practice Squad Lifeline
While Smith’s return is the headline, Johnson’s elevation is the quiet story. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2021 after playing at Tulane, Johnson has bounced between the Bills, Jets, and now the Eagles — spending most of his NFL life on practice squads. He’s 26, has zero career sacks, and has never played a regular-season snap for Philadelphia. But he’s been the guy in the room who shows up early, stays late, and never complains. That’s why he got the call.Under NFL rules, teams can elevate two practice squad players per week without having to sign them to the active roster. Johnson’s elevation is temporary — it expires after the Eagles’ Week 11 game against the Washington Commanders on November 16. If he performs, he might get a contract. If not, he’ll go back to the practice squad. Either way, his presence gives the Eagles flexibility. With Smith returning, Johnson becomes insurance against any setbacks — or a potential body to fill in if someone else goes down.
The Bigger Picture: A Defense Under Pressure
The Eagles’ defense has been a puzzle this season. Their pass rush, once a nightmare for quarterbacks, has sputtered. In the five games Smith missed, Philadelphia averaged just 2.1 sacks per game — down from 3.4 in the first four. Opponents have been taking more deep shots, and the secondary has been stretched thin. Quinyon Mitchell’s ankle injury and Dallas Goedert’s shoulder issue have further thinned the roster. As of November 10, the Eagles have seven players on injured reserve — a number that’s climbed steadily since Week 1.Coordinator Vic Fangio, known for his complex blitz schemes, has been forced to simplify. Smith’s return could restore some of that complexity. His ability to rush from both the inside and outside — a trait developed under Kirby Smart at Georgia — makes him a mismatch nightmare. He’s not just a pass rusher. He’s a chess piece.
What’s Next: The Commanders Game and Beyond
The Eagles host the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 16, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Kickoff is 1:00 PM EST. Smith is expected to play 25-30 snaps, mostly in passing situations. Johnson will be active as a backup, but won’t see much action unless injuries strike.After this game, Johnson’s elevation ends. Smith, however, is now eligible to play the remainder of the season. That’s huge. The Eagles face three divisional games in their final five weeks — including a rematch with the Commanders in Week 17. If Smith stays healthy, he could be a key factor in a playoff push.
Historical Context: A Pattern of Resilience
This isn’t Smith’s first time bouncing back. He was drafted as a defensive end, converted to linebacker in training camp, then reclassified as an edge rusher after his rookie season. He’s been labeled “undersized” and “inconsistent” — but never lazy. His work ethic has impressed coaches since Day 1. And now, after two separate IR stints in the same season, he’s back. That kind of resilience is rare.Meanwhile, Bleeding Green Nation marked its 163,200th article with this report — a testament to the fanbase’s obsession with every roster tweak, every practice rep, every sigh from Nick Sirianni. For them, this isn’t just a transaction. It’s hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Nolan Smith reactivated now and not earlier?
The Eagles waited until Smith completed eight consecutive full practices without pain or swelling — a medical threshold set by Dr. David subs at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute. He initially returned in Week 7 but re-injured the shoulder during practice, so the team is being extra cautious. This time, they’re confident he can handle the physical demands of game speed.
How does Patrick Johnson’s elevation affect the Eagles’ salary cap?
None. Practice squad elevations are temporary and don’t count against the 53-man roster salary cap. Johnson receives a one-time game-day stipend of $11,500 under the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, but his contract remains on the practice squad. This allows teams to add depth without financial risk.
What’s the significance of Smith being labeled an EDGE instead of a linebacker?
It reflects his actual role: he’s not dropping into coverage like a traditional linebacker. Smith lines up on the edge, attacks the quarterback, and rarely plays in the middle of the field. The Eagles’ coaching staff uses “EDGE” to signal his primary function — pass rushing — and avoid confusion in defensive schemes.
Could Smith play beyond Week 11, or is this just a short-term fix?
He’s eligible to play the rest of the season. Unlike his first IR stint, which required a minimum of four games, this activation removes him from IR permanently unless he’s injured again. The Eagles hope he’ll be a key contributor in their final five games, especially against division rivals who rely heavily on the pass.
How does this impact the Eagles’ playoff chances?
It’s a major boost. With Smith back, the Eagles’ pass rush regains its edge — literally. They’re currently tied for 14th in sacks, but their win probability jumps 18% when they record three or more sacks in a game. Smith’s return gives them a better shot at forcing turnovers and controlling tempo in tight divisional games — the kind that decide playoff seeding.
What happens to Johnson after the Commanders game?
He automatically reverts to the practice squad per NFL rules. But if he impressed coaches during game week — especially in practice or special teams — the Eagles could sign him to a future/reserve contract after the season ends. Many players get their first real shot this way.
