Jihaad Campbell injury update: Eagles DC Vic Fangio provides latest on rookie linebacker

Former Alabama star and first round pick Jihaad Campbell is working his way back to the field for the Philadelphia Eagles. After injury concerns likely affected his draft stock, the Eagles scooped him up within the first 32 picks back in April.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio provided the latest on Campbell, saying he’ll hit the field in August. Right now, it sounds like Campbell will work his way back slowly through training camp. He’s coming off shoulder surgery ahead of the NFL Draft.

Most draft analysts considered Campbell the top linebacker in the draft class. So right now, it seems like Philadelphia made out well once again.

“Well, right now he’s working (at) ILB because there’s a lot more to learn there,” Fangio said. “So that’s where we’ll start him. He won’t hit the practice field until, you know, sometime in August. So we’re doing all we can. 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. So he’s working (well) and trying to pick it up.”

Fangio also added he “potentially” sees Campbell as an outside pass rusher. It’s likely Campbell will work both positions as he develops as a rookie.

Campbell, 21, is coming off a highly productive three-year career with the Crimson Tide. He became a starter in the middle of Alabama’s defense midway through the 2023 season, finishing with 66 total tackles, four tackles for loss, one interception and half a sack.

Campbell earned First Team All-SEC honors in 2024. In 13 games, he tallied 117 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception. In total, Campbell wrapped up his collegiate career with 184 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.

“This guy is a great person,” Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban said of Campbell. “I mean, what people have to understand about Jihaad, he played with his hand in the dirt in high school. Went to IMG, came out, was an outside ‘backer. Moved to inside ‘backer and got better and better and better and, I thought, had a fantastic year this year.

“He has tremendous range, speed. He can play in or out. He never played behind the line before we moved him two years ago because of injuries. But he’s developed into a first-round inside guy. He can be an edge rusher. I just love this pick, I really do.”