Philadelphia’s big free agent signing could be set to miss multiple games.
Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Bryce Huff is set to undergo a procedure on his wrist this Thursday, according to multiple reports. Nick Sirianni confirmed as much during his Wednesday press conference.
Huff is expected to have a chance to return to the field later this season.
Huff originally suffered an injury in warmups prior to the Eagles’ Week 9 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 3. He was limited to a season-low six snaps in that contest. Playing with a cast on his left hand (as pictured below), Huff only logged 12 snaps against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10 and 14 snaps against the Washington Commanders in Week 11.
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Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Vic Fangio recently brought up Huff’s injury when questioned about Jalyx Hunt’s increased playing time:
“[Hunt’s] done better in practice. And it’s kind of a result, too, of Bryce [Huff] — he’s got a big cast on his hand. Leaves his thumb totally immobilized. His palm is really immobilized. So he’s just got four fingers dangling there with no thumb or palm to help him. On the less obvious [passing] downs, just makes sense to put a guy in there that’s 100%.”
When asked if the Eagles will place Huff on injured reserve, Siriainni didn’t commit to that outcome. But it seems like a logical option if he’s going to have to miss multiple weeks. If the Eagles do indeed put Huff on IR ahead of this week’s matchup, he’ll automatically miss at least the following four games:
Week 12 — at Los Angeles Rams
Week 13 — at Baltimore Ravens
Week 14 — vs. Carolina Panthers
Week 15 — vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Huff would then be eligible to return for the Eagles’ Week 16 road game against the Washington Commanders. It’s unclear if he’ll be recovered by then.
It’s safe to say Huff’s season hasn’t gone as the Eagles hoped it would’ve when the team signed him to a three-year, $51.1 million contract in March. Huff’s logged just 37% of the Eagles’ defensive snaps this year. He didn’t produce his first solo tackle until Week 4. He only has 2.5 sacks, three TFLs, and four quarterback hits in 10 games played. Huff ranks tied for 80th out of 122 edge rushers in Pro Football Focus “Pass Rushing Productivity.”
Huff’s absence leaves the Eagles with the following healthy edge rushers on the roster: Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham, and Jalyx Hunt. Smith will likely see the biggest increase in playing time, though the rookie Hunt could also have an expanded role. The Eagles also have Tarron Jackson and David Anenih on the practice squad.
