Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell said it “felt pretty good” when he sacked Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel on the second snap of Saturday’s NFL preseason game.

Campbell recorded his first sack in an NFL uniform in his second preseason game. He joined the Eagles from Alabama in the first round of the NFL Draft on April 24.

Philadelphia used the 31st selection on Campbell even though the starting inside linebackers from the Eagles’ 2024 NFL championship team are back for 2025. But first-team All-Pro Zack Baun has only recently returned to practice and Nakobe Dean remains sidelined because a torn patellar tendon sustained in the playoffs, giving Campbell room for reps at Philadelphia’s training camp.

“He’s been getting better and better each and every week,” Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said about Campbell on Monday. “Like I say, he still has his hiccups, but I do think he’s getting better and better and better. And you know, Baun’s going to practice some today for the first time in a long time, and he’ll get in there some with Bond. (Jeremiah) Trotter will also. So that will settle him down, too, a little bit hopefully. …

“Obviously, I think if they’re playing next to Zack, you know, it might make it easier for them. Some players, especially when you’re a young player at ILB — safety, the same thing — if there’s a veteran that can run the show and help you out a little bit, that helps.”

The Eagles play their final preseason game on Friday night against the New York Jets, then will play in the first game of the 2025 NFL season when the Dallas Cowboys come to Philadelphia on Sept. 4.

Will Campbell be in the starting lineup next to Baun when the season kicks off?

“I’m still climbing the mountain just like everybody,” Campbell said after Saturday’s preseason game. “And I think that’s the most biggest thing, and it’s very blessful. You know what I’m saying? I always appreciate God and thank God any chance I get.”

Campbell made his debut with the Eagles in a 34-27 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in a preseason game on Aug. 7. On the field for 15 defensive snaps and three special-teams plays, Campbell made three tackles.

In a 22-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, Philadelphia had Campbell in the starting lineup. On the field for 28 defensive snaps and two special-teams plays, he recorded four tackles, including his sack.

“I mean, just taking steps, right?” Campbell said. “Just learning and growing and just improving and really, you know, being better than you was yesterday. I think that’s the biggest goal. And always just being where your feet are. Don’t worry about next week. Don’t worry about last week. Don’t worry about today. Worry about what’s going on right now and how to just execute it at 110 percent. …

“I think I just keep the main thing the main thing, right? When you think about habits, you think about discipline, you think about having a routine going into the game, the day before the game, the week of the game, right? I mean, just understanding what’s that task and what we need to do as a whole unit and the team just to execute and find a way to win.”

Campbell had shoulder surgery in March to repair a torn labrum and did not practice fully for Philadelphia until training camp opened.

“Feels pretty good, man,” Campbell said. “… It’s my first couple of games in as me being a, you know, a professional football player. It’s very great, just learning and growing. That’s the biggest thing, man — just learning and growing.”

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

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