Eagles Face Major Injury Blow in London as Greenard, Smith, and Barkley Sit Out

Key points

• Jonathan Greenard is inactive for the London game due to an ankle injury sustained against the Rams; he missed all practice this week.
• DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley are also out, with Smith dealing with a hamstring issue and Barkley missing practice all week.
• Center Drew Kendall is inactive with a knee injury, forcing practice squad call-up Jake Majors to make his NFL debut.
• The Eagles have three active quarterbacks: Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, and rookie Cole Payton, who is active for the first time.
• Lane Johnson, who announced his retirement this week, remains on the roster but is not listed as inactive for this game.

Background

The Eagles have struggled with injuries since the start of the 2026 season. Jonathan Greenard missed Week 1 and Week 2 with a pectoral injury before returning, but he has only played in two of the first five games. The team faced a severe roster crisis in Week 4 against the Rams, missing Lane Johnson, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert. This ongoing attrition has forced the Eagles to rely heavily on depth players and practice squad call-ups, such as Jake Majors and John Ojukwu, to fill key roles.

How outlets are covering it

Bleeding Green Nation emphasizes the impact of Greenard’s absence on the pass rush, noting that the Eagles will rely on Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, Arnold Ebiketie, and A.J. Epenesa. They also highlight the debut of Jake Majors at center. NBC Sports notes that Lane Johnson, despite his retirement announcement, remains on the roster and was not listed as inactive, a detail not emphasized by other outlets. CBS Sports focuses on Greenard’s limited production this season, noting he has only one tackle and one forced fumble in two games. The Philadelphia Eagles’ official release provides specific injury details, such as Brown’s ankle injury dating back to September 25 and Smith’s hamstring issue, which other outlets did not specify in detail.

Why it matters

The Eagles’ injury crisis in London could significantly impact their performance against the Jaguars, as they are missing key contributors at multiple positions. The absence of Greenard, Smith, and Barkley forces the team to rely on less experienced players, which could affect their ability to compete in a high-stakes international game. Additionally, the debut of Jake Majors at center and the activation of Cole Payton as a third quarterback highlight the depth issues the Eagles are facing early in the season.

What to watch

The Eagles will face the Jaguars in London on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The team will need to rely on their depth players to fill in for the injured stars. The outcome of this game could be crucial for the Eagles’ season, as they look to stabilize their roster and performance after a difficult start. The Jaguars, meanwhile, will be missing key players like Eric Murray and Jaylon Jones, which could provide an opportunity for the Eagles to capitalize on their opponent’s weaknesses.