The Eagles revealed some slightly unsettling news on Wednesday, announcing that EDGE Bryce Huff will miss some time to underdog surgery on an ailing wrist injury. While Huff has hardly been a breakout star for Philadelphia, losing an explosive pass-rusher is never a good thing. However, there are two names who figure to capitalize on an uptick in snaps.
Nolan Smith
Perhaps the biggest beneficiary of Huff’s short-term absence is going to be Nolan Smith. After a quiet rookie campaign, he’s gradually rounding into form under Vic Fangio. Smith ended last season with 18 tackles and a sack to his name, and through 10 games of 2024 has already eclipsed those numbers.
The second-year pass-rusher has 3.5 sacks and 4 TFL to his name so far and with Huff sidelined, he’s bound to get some more looks at Matthew Stafford this week than previously expected.
Smith’s confidence is only growing as the year goes on which is great to see, and the more snaps he can be afforded right now, the better.
Jalyx Hunt
The Eagles spent a third-round pick on Jalyx Hunt this past offseason, a small-school sleeper with a freakishly athletic skillset. Up to this week, Hunt has only played in 8% of defensive snaps for the Eagles, and with depth at the position now light, he’s bound to see some exposure on the defensive front his weekend.
What’s interesting is that the rookie has flashed during his limited snaps, registering a sack against the Giants and being involved in two forced fumbles. The early signs are encouraging and just like Quinyon Mitchell & Cooper DeJean, the more snaps he’s able to play, the quicker he can learn and develop.
A glimpse into the Eagles’ future
Bryce Huff’s injury is obviously disappointing, but that’s been par for the course this season for a highly-paid situational EDGE who is yet to prove he has the endurance to make the leap to a bigger role. However, in a committee with young players who possess similar traits, the Eagles could be onto something special, and this window provides the perfect opportunity for those two youngsters to show how much they can bring to Fangio’s pass-rush over the next few years.
Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
