The Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LIX, but that didn’t stop them from making moves this offseason. In the 2025 NFL Draft, when they saw Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell sliding down the board, the front office pounced and swung a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs to move one spot up the board and select him with the No. 31 overall pick.
Campbell’s fall in the first round was surprising, but teams were concerned about his injury status, particularly when it comes to his recovery from a shoulder surgery he underwent this offseason. Philadelphia was not worried, though, and it looks like Campbell is making great progress when it comes to his rehab from this ailment.
Jihaad Campbell Making Progress in Injury Rehab
Campbell enjoyed a breakout campaign with Alabama in 2024, firmly establishing himself as a first-round talent in the process. In 13 games, he racked up 117 tackles (12 of which went for a loss), five sacks, one interception, two passes battled, and two fumbles forced. If injuries weren’t a factor, there was no shot Campbell would have fallen to the Eagles.
Injury concerns were what scared off the majority of the teams that had interest in Campbell, though. He already underwent surgery on a torn labrum, and some teams feared that he’d eventually need surgery on his other shoulder. He also has dealt with knee issues that could eventually become degenerative, which could become a major problem for him and whatever team he landed with.
When he’s healthy, though, Campbell is a game-wrecker. The Eagles linebacker corps is already pretty talented, with Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, and Nolan Smith Jr. leading the way, although it is worth noting Dean is recovering from his own injury problems. In an ideal world, Campbell would contribute and fill in for Dean right away, but it remains to be seen whether he will be ready for Week 1.
While Campbell did partake in some drills during mandatory minicamp, fans were encouraged by a clip showing footage from a recent workout he partook in. Campbell appears to be as explosive as ever, and he was shown doing rip moves with both of his shoulders. With training camp quickly approaching, it looks like the former Crimson Tide star is trending in the right direction when it comes to his injury status.
Eagles Hoping Jihaad Campbell Will be Ready for Week 1
Philadelphia is expecting Campbell to be a full-go at some point during training camp, and based on this clip, it looks like he’s making some serious progress when it comes to his health. There are still some hurdles to overcome, but if he doesn’t suffer any setbacks, Campbell could be on the field for Week 1, which didn’t seem all that likely for much of the offseason.
If Campbell can contribute right away, that would give the Eagles the freedom to let Dean work his way to full health without rushing him into action. There’s a ton of talent in Philadelphia’s linebacker room; it’s just about getting the pieces onto the field. Once training camp arrives, fans will be keeping close tabs on Campbell in hopes that he will be ready for the start of the season.
