Eagles’ Nolan Smith Tore Tricep During Super Bowl, Underwent Surgery

Nolan Smith played through a torn triceps in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport.

Smith underwent surgery on Wednesday and is expected to be ready by start of the 2025 season. However, the injury could threaten his status for the Eagles’ offseason activities this summer.

Torn triceps typically have lengthy recovery times. For example, both Javon Hargrave and Justin Jones missed the rest of the 2024 season after suffering similar injuries in September. However, Brandon Graham, Smith’s teammate in Philadelphia, underwent surgery for a torn triceps in November and managed to return for the Super Bowl.

Smith will have at least three months before the Eagles even start practicing and should not have any urgency to rush back to the field this summer. A successful rehab without any setbacks should set him up to participate in training camp, though he may have to ramp up his participation across July and August before hitting the field in the regular season.

The 2023 first-round pick stepped up in Graham’s absence last year and broke out with a career-high 6.5 tacks and eight tackles for loss in the regular season. Smith took his play to another level in the playoffs, recording 4.0 sacks and four tackles for loss during the Eagles’ championship run.

Smith wasn’t the only Eagle to gut it out in the Super Bowl. Center Cam Jurgens played through a back injury and underwent surgery to alleviate nerve pain, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He is expected to make a full recovery heading into training camp before the last year of his rookie contract. Jurgens is an extension candidate, but the Eagles may wait until he’s fully-healthy before committing to a long-term deal.

Neither injury is unlikely to significantly impact Philadelphia’s roster plans this offseason. They may look for some additional edge-rushing depth as insurance for Smith, especially if they lose Josh Sweat in free agency.