Viral workout video of young Eagles star shows injury timetable may have been exaggerated

Ryan OLeary

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Viral workout video of young Eagles star shows injury timetable may have been exaggerated image

Based on a video that took off on social media during the Fourth of July holiday, Philadelphia Eagles rookie Jihaad Campbell could be ready to roll this summer sooner than previously reported.

The 21-year-old linebacker out of Alabama has been recovering from offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio told reporters in June that the procedure was expected to keep Campbell sidelined from full-team activities until mid-August, or the later stages of training camp.

"We're doing all we can," Fangio said. "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. He's working good and trying to pick it up."

Campbell certainly looked good in the workout video taken by SRT Prep Academy, as the rookie was shown moving freely without restriction while performing rip moves with both shoulders.

It’s worth noting that Campbell wasn’t wearing pads in the video, so this should be viewed as nothing more than a good sign for his progress. Still, the rookie did get on the field for some limited 7-on-7 work during OTAs, and he appears to be heading in the right direction with the start of training camp just a couple of weeks away.

With Nakobe Dean expected to open the season on the PUP list, the Eagles will need to get Campbell as many reps as possible this summer in preparation for what should be a sizable role on defense from Week 1.

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Ryan OLeary

Ryan O'Leary has spent his entire professional career in sports multimedia, working as journalist, editor, podcaster, and in live events as a content manager and show emcee. His career highlights include working as a podcast host and audio editor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, where he led a series of NFL podcasts for the company’s top-performing NFL sites. A born and raised New Englander, Ryan’s career kicked-off in newspapers after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in journalism. He developed an affinity for small-town youth, high school and college sports, while also realizing his childhood dream of covering the Patriots in multiple AFC Championship Games. Ryan enjoys kicking it with family and friends, beating his dad and brother in chess, and arguing with anyone crazy enough to insist that Tom Brady isn’t the GOAT.