Eagles Veteran Brandon Graham’s Season Ends with Devastating Triceps Injury Against Rams
In a significant blow to the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive line, veteran defensive end Brandon Graham has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 season after suffering a torn triceps during Sunday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.
The 36-year-old defensive stalwart confirmed the severity of his injury in the locker room after the game. “I got hit late in the game and tore my triceps,” Graham told NBC Sports Philadelphia. “Like I told the boys, the mission is still the mission. When I say I trust God, I trust God.”
Before the injury occurred in the fourth quarter, Graham had an outstanding performance, recording a sack, two tackles, two tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits against Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The injury’s impact became apparent when several teammates, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, approached Graham on the sideline for emotional conversations before he headed to the locker room.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the Eagles’ defensive rotation, as they’re already dealing with the absence of defensive end Bryce Huff, who underwent wrist surgery last Thursday and was placed on injured reserve.
This leaves Philadelphia’s edge rushing corps significantly depleted, with Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith, and rookie Jalyx Hunt remaining as the team’s primary options.
Hunt, the Eagles’ third-round pick in this year’s draft, is now expected to see increased playing time. The former college safety has shown promise in limited action this season, recording one sack and three tackles while primarily contributing on special teams.
Graham, the longest-tenured Eagle in his 15th NFL season, has been a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s defense and locker room leadership. Despite his age, he had been playing remarkably high this season, making his loss particularly impactful for a team with championship aspirations.
“I’m going to enjoy leading this team for the rest of the year, and as soon as I can be back out there, I’m going to be back out there,” Graham stated, maintaining his characteristic positive attitude despite the setback.
The injury raises questions about Graham’s future, as he had previously suggested this might be his final NFL season. However, his strong performance before the injury had left the door open for a potential return in 2025.
The Eagles’ defensive coaching staff now faces the challenge of reorganizing their pass-rush rotation without one of their most reliable veterans. The development of younger players like Hunt becomes increasingly crucial as Philadelphia enters the critical final stretch of the regular season and prepares for what they hope will be another deep playoff run.
Philadelphia will need to adapt quickly to Graham’s absence as they continue their pursuit of the top seed in the NFC. The team’s depth and resilience will be tested as they maintain their defensive effectiveness without one of their most experienced and productive players.