Jonathan Greenard back at practice as Eagles prepare for Week 1

PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles edge rusher Jonathan Greenard suited up for practice Wednesday as his new team began preparations for their season opener against the Washington Commanders.

Greenard was sidelined for all of training camp after suffering what the team described as a pec strain while lifting weights earlier in the summer. He was subsequently placed on the physically unable to perform list but the Eagles opted not to place him on regular-season PUP or short-term injured reserve, a sign they felt he could be ready to play sometime in the first four games.

"We'll see," Sirianni said, when asked earlier on Wednesday if he expects Greenard to play Sunday. "I think all of our guys that have had some dings throughout training camp, they've worked their butts off...and he's worked his butt off. We'll see where that is by the end of the week."

The Eagles said earlier in the offseason that this was not a long-term injury. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, though, cast some doubt on whether Greenard would practice with the team before the start of the regular season, saying "that remains to be seen." He has since reiterated his concern about Greenard not being ready for the start of the season.

Philadelphia acquired Greenard, 29, in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings during draft weekend in April and agreed to a lucrative new deal with the star linebacker.

The Eagles sent two third-round draft picks -- the No. 98 pick in this year's draft and a third-rounder next year -- to the Vikings for Greenard, who then agreed to a four-year, $100 million extension that also includes $50 million in guaranteed money.

Greenard is expected to assume a starting role for the Super Bowl-hopeful Eagles, leading a group that also includes Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith Jr., AJ Epenesa and Arnold Ebiketie. Hunt, in particular, enjoyed a strong summer.

Greenard had three sacks in 12 games last season after a pair of double-digit sack campaigns the previous two years in Minnesota.

He spent the first four years of his career with the Houston Texans before signing a four-year, $72 million deal with the Vikings in 2024. He recorded 12.5 sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl in his first season with the Vikings but was slowed because of a shoulder injury that ultimately required season-ending surgery in 2025.