Jihaad Campbell's injury shouldn't keep him from carving out a big role as a rookie for Philadelphia Eagles in 2025

Philadelphia Eagles rookie linebacker and 2025 first-round pick Jihaad Campbell is not up to full speed just yet as he recovers from a shoulder injury, but that doesn't mean he isn't working hard behind the scenes. 

ESPN's Tim McManus gave a rookie update on Campbell and even hinted that, despite his current setback, Campbell is well on his way to carving out a large role as a rookie -- especially with starter Nakobe Dean still making his way back from a knee injury.

Here's the full rundown from McManus: 

Campbell wasn't able to fully participate in the team's offseason program after undergoing shoulder surgery in March. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said he is expected back on the field sometime in August. Campbell can line up at off-ball linebacker and on the edge. Fangio said they'll start him at inside 'backer since "there's a lot more to learn there." With Nakobe Dean out for the foreseeable future as he recovers from a torn patellar tendon, there's an opportunity for Campbell to carve out a role once cleared to play.

 "He's doing all he can in meetings; we're doing all we can with him on the field. I take him to the side and do an individual drill with him that's suited to what he can do right now," Fangio said. "So, he's working good and trying to pick it up." -- Tim McManus

While Fangio said he expects Campbell back by August, head coach Nick Sirianni was more cautious, declining to set a timeline. That leaves the door open for an earlier or later return.

Regardless, the fact that Campbell is already considered NFL-ready should give Eagles fans plenty to be excited about.

At 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, Campbell came out of Alabama with legit top-20 draft buzz, so when the Eagles traded up one spot to grab him at No. 31 overall, it was seen as one of the biggest steals of the night.

Campbell was outstanding in his final season with the Crimson Tide, racking up a team-high 117 tackles, including 11.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pick. His all-around dominance earned him first-team All-SEC honors and spots as a semifinalist for both the Bednarik and Butkus Awards.