By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 18:23 EST, 10 November 2025 | Updated: 18:28 EST, 10 November 2025
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - Linebacker Nolan Smith is joining the list of additions to the Philadelphia Eagles´ defense for their Monday night game with the Green Bay Packers.
The Eagles said Monday they had activated the 2023 first-round pick from injured reserve. Smith hasn´t played since hurting his triceps in a 33-26 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 21.
He won´t be the only fresh face on Philadelphia´s defense.
The Eagles acquired edge rusher Jaelan Phillips from the Miami Dolphins at the trade deadline and also welcomed back 37-year-old Brandon Graham, who ended his brief retirement. Phillips had recorded three sacks for Miami this season.
Smith recorded 6½ sacks and Graham had 3½ last season during the Eagles´ Super Bowl title run. Smith had four more sacks during the playoffs.
Philadelphia also acquired former Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander last week, but he didn´t make the trip to Green Bay as he continues to recover from a knee issue. Alexander was a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback with the Packers from 2018-24 before getting released in the offseason. The Eagles got him in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens.
FILE - Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. (3) in action during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sept. 4, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)
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