Eagles rule out Nolan Smith with concussion; Carson Steele questionable to return
The Philadelphia Eagles lost Nolan Smith for the rest of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers after the outside linebacker suffered a concussion. Running back Carson Steele was also listed as questionable to return with a shoulder i…
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The Philadelphia Eagles lost Nolan Smith for the rest of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers after the outside linebacker suffered a concussion. Running back Carson Steele was also listed as questionable to return with a shoulder injury, adding to a difficult injury day for Philadelphia.
Smith went down after taking a shot on a pass rush, according to Mike Garafolo, and the Eagles later ruled him out. He walked off under his own power, but his exit took another edge rusher from a group already missing Jalyx Hunt and A.J. Epenesa. Jeff McLane reported that the Eagles were down to three edge options at that point, with Jonathan Greenard among the remaining players.
Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane): Nolan Smith eventually walked off on his own. #Eagles already down two edges with Jalyx Hunt and A.J. Epenesa out. Down to just Jonathan Greenard, Arnold Ekeketie and Keyshawn James-Newby.
The backfield has its own concern. The Eagles officially listed Steele as questionable to return with a shoulder injury after he left the field during the game. That is an availability question, not a confirmed game-ending absence.
Philadelphia entered Sunday without Saquon Barkley, who was ruled out against Carolina, while Will Shipley had been placed on injured reserve. The team also placed quarterback Jalen Hurts on IR Saturday. Steele's status therefore matters to an offense already adjusting to two significant absences, while Smith's confirmed exit leaves the defense working with a shorter edge rotation.