PHILADELPHIA -- The Eagles put outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard on the initial 53-man roster, a positive sign as he continues to recover from a pec injury.
Greenard was placed on the physically unable to perform list in late July after suffering what the team described as a pec strain while lifting weights before camp. If he was placed on regular-season PUP, he would have been sidelined for at least four games.
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., A.J. Epenesa and Arnold Ebiketie. Hunt, in particular, has 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.
