{"id":159866,"date":"2025-08-20T01:38:10","date_gmt":"2025-08-20T01:38:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/159866\/"},"modified":"2025-08-20T01:38:10","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T01:38:10","slug":"will-rookie-jihaad-campbell-start-philadelphias-season-opening-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/159866\/","title":{"rendered":"Will rookie Jihaad Campbell start Philadelphia\u2019s season-opening game?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell<\/a> said it \u201cfelt pretty good<\/a>\u201d when he sacked Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel on the second snap of Saturday\u2019s NFL preseason game.<\/p>\n

Campbell recorded his first sack in an NFL uniform in his second preseason game. He joined the Eagles from Alabama<\/a> in the first round of the NFL Draft on April 24. <\/p>\n

Philadelphia used the 31st selection on Campbell even though the starting inside linebackers from the Eagles\u2019 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\u2019s training camp.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been getting better and better each and every week,\u201d Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said <\/a>about Campbell on Monday. \u201cLike I say, he still has his hiccups, but I do think he\u2019s getting better and better and better. And you know, Baun\u2019s going to practice some today for the first time in a long time, and he\u2019ll get in there some with Bond. (Jeremiah) Trotter will also. So that will settle him down, too, a little bit hopefully. \u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cObviously, I think if they\u2019re playing next to Zack, you know, it might make it easier for them. Some players, especially when you\u2019re a young player at ILB — safety, the same thing — if there\u2019s a veteran that can run the show and help you out a little bit, that helps.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Will Campbell be in the starting lineup next to Baun when the season kicks off?<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still climbing the mountain just like everybody,\u201d Campbell said<\/a> after Saturday\u2019s preseason game. \u201cAnd I think that\u2019s the most biggest thing, and it\u2019s very blessful. You know what I\u2019m saying? I always appreciate God and thank God any chance I get.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

In a 22-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns <\/a>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.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, just taking steps, right?\u201d Campbell said<\/a>. \u201cJust learning and growing and just improving and really, you know, being better than you was yesterday. I think that\u2019s the biggest goal. And always just being where your feet are. Don\u2019t worry about next week. Don\u2019t worry about last week. Don\u2019t worry about today. Worry about what\u2019s going on right now and how to just execute it at 110 percent. \u2026 <\/p>\n

\u201cI 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\u2019s that task and what we need to do as a whole unit and the team just to execute and find a way to win.\u201d<\/p>\n

Campbell had shoulder surgery in March to repair a torn labrum and did not practice fully for Philadelphia until training camp opened. <\/p>\n

\u201cFeels pretty good, man,\u201d Campbell said<\/a>. \u201c\u2026 It\u2019s my first couple of games in as me being a, you know, a professional football player. It\u2019s very great, just learning and growing. That\u2019s the biggest thing, man — just learning and growing.\u201d<\/p>\n

FOR MORE OF AL.COM\u2019S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR <\/b>NFL PAGE<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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