Jonathan Greenard returns to Eagles practice, opening possibility for Week 1 return

PHILADELPHIA — Jonathan Greenard returned to practice Wednesday for the Philadelphia Eagles after missing all of training camp with a pectoral injury. The Eagles will release Greenard’s official status after practice, but his return opens the possibility that the franchise’s top offseason acquisition could return for Week 1 against the Washington Commanders.

Greenard, 29, was acquired in a draft-weekend trade with the Minnesota Vikings and signed a lucrative contract extension that kept him in Philadelphia on a four-year, $100-million contract with $50 million guaranteed. He was expected to top the Eagles’ edge-rusher depth chart after Jaelan Phillips left in free agency. Greenard injured his pectoral lifting weights before training camp. The team downplayed the injury when it initially occurred, although defensive coordinator Vic Fangio remained uncertain that Greenard would return for the start of the season.

“He’s worked his butt off,” coach Nick Sirianni said before Wednesday’s practice. “We’ll see where that is by the end of the week.”

Greenard, a 2024 Pro Bowler, has reached 12 sacks in two of the past three seasons. He was in pads and participating in drills during the portion of practice open to reporters. If he progresses this week and returns in time to play the Commanders, he’ll join a rotation that includes Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith. All three were listed as co-starters on the team’s unofficial depth chart.

This story will be updated