Eagles rookie report: What Jihaad Campbell, Drew Mukuba did for 1st time in over 20 years

There's no secret about how a Super Bowl team like the Eagles is supposed to regenerate itself.

Sure, the Eagles need great players, and they have a plethora of those on offense, and potentially on defense.

But one factor that is overlooked is the necessity for youth throughout the roster. That is essential as the star players get more expensive, and some other really good players leave in free agency because they're no longer affordable.

So it's worth paying attention to the play of two rookies in linebacker Jihaad Campbell and safety Drew Mukuba, the Eagles' first- and second-round picks, respectively, in the NFL draft last spring.

Campbell and Mukuba started in the Eagles' season-opening 24-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 4 − in part because they had to, and in part because they deserved to.

To consider how rare that is, the Eagles haven't had two rookies start in Week 1 in at least 20 years.

"It’s big time," veteran linebacker Zack Baun said about two rookies starting Week 1. "Super proud of those guys. I came up to each of them before the game to say how proud I was of them just for going through what they’re going through.

"It’s a big deal any time you start in an NFL game, and as rookies that’s super special."

Campbell and Mukuba made an impact right away, too.

Campbell was credited with forcing a fumble on running back Miles Sanders as the Cowboys were driving for the potential go-ahead touchdown late in the third quarter. Campbell also broke up a pass 30 yards down the field intended for tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford that likely would have gone for a touchdown.

Mukuba, meanwhile, started at safety over Sydney Brown despite missing two weeks during training camp − first with a shoulder injury early in camp, then with a hamstring later on.

Campbell played 92% of the snaps and had 3 tackles in addition to the pass defensed and forced fumble. Mukuba played 84% of the snaps and had 4 tackles.

"First game, you know how they go, butterflies, kind of nervous before you take the field, a lot of excitement with everything going on," Mukuba said. "When the game starts, all that stuff, you got to let all that go and play football.

"Overall, though, it was a good first game. A lot to learn, a lot to get better from. But you take the win any time."

This is not unusual anymore for a team trying to go on what Eagles coach Nick Sirianni has called a run of "sustained success."

Look no further than at the Kansas City Chiefs, the team the Eagles vanquished in the Super Bowl, and face again in a rematch on Sept. 14 in Kansas City.

The Chiefs have played in five Super Bowls in seven seasons, winning three. They have gotten at least as far as the AFC Championship game in all seven seasons.

After the Chiefs lost in the AFC Championship game in 2021, they had two rookies starting on defense in Week 1 of the 2022 season in defensive end George Karlaftis and cornerback Trent McDuffie.

By the time the Chiefs faced the Eagles in the Super Bowl five months later, the Chiefs had four rookie starters in the secondary alone. In addition, running back Isiah Pacheco and wide receiver Skyy Moore were major factors, both during the regular season and in the Chiefs' 38-35 win over the Eagles in the Super Bowl.

This is not new for the Eagles, either.

Eagles recent history with rookies

Last season, the Eagles would have had two rookies start the opener had cornerback Cooper DeJean not hurt his hamstring before training camp, setting him back nearly four weeks. Mitchell started Week 1 and became a top cornerback. DeJean became a full-time player beginning Week 6.

In addition, edge rusher Jalyx Hunt became a key player late last season, and running back Will Shipley is considered Saquon Barkley's top backup this season. Mitchell was drafted in the first round, DeJean in the second, Hunt in the third and Shipley in the fourth.

In 2023, Jalen Carter started Week 1. Fellow first-round pick Nolan Smith became a starter last season and third-round guard Tyler Steen is a starter this season. So is seventh-round pick defensive tackle Moro Ojomo.

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The 2022 draft produced starters in defensive tackle Jordan Davis, who became a starter last season, and center Cam Jurgens, who replaced Jason Kelce last season and was named to the Pro Bowl. Third-round pick Nakobe Dean was also a starter last season before tearing his patellar tendon in the playoffs. He has yet to return.

In 2021, wide receiver DeVonta Smith started Week 1, and guard Landon Dickerson became a full-time starter Week 3. Defensive tackle Milton Williams was a starter last season, then left for the New England Patriots in free agency.

How did the Eagles' other 2025 rookies do?

As for the other 2025 rookies, fifth-round pick Smael Mondon, a linebacker, played on special teams, as did fifth-round pick Mac McWilliams, a cornerback. Fourth-round pick Ty Robinson, a defensive tackle, was not on the game-day roster. Neither was sixth-round pick Cameron Williams, a tackle.

Sixth-round pick Myles Hinton, a tackle, is on injured reserve; sixth-round pick Kyle McCord, a quarterback, is on the practice squad; and edge rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland, a sixth-round pick, was released off the practice squad last week.

But never have two rookies started the opener, and that goes back to at least 2005.

"It says a lot," Mukuba said about two rookies starting. "This is a team that’s coming off a Super Bowl last year with a lot of returning starters. But me and Jihaad going out there as rookies starting says a lot about the work and preparation we put in when we got here.

"It’s paying off."

The Eagles need it to keep paying off.

HEARTWARMING: Jayden Daniels Saves 19 Dogs From Euthanasia in Emotional Labor Day Weekend Rescue

Washington woke up this Labor Day weekend not just buzzing about football, but about compassion. Quarterback Jayden Daniels stepped away from the field and straight into hero status after personally rescuing 19 dogs from certain euthanasia, sparking a wave of emotion that rippled far beyond the nation's capital.

The story began in overcrowded Southern shelters, where dogs faced the grim reality of being put down. Instead of looking away, Daniels quietly funded their transport to Washington, determined to give them a second chance at life.

And when the van pulled into town, Daniels wasn’t just writing checks—he was there. With family and friends, he helped unload cages, cradled frightened puppies, and shared in their joy. The emotional moment was captured on video and quickly went viral, surpassing one million views in hours.

“This is bigger than football,” one fan wrote on X. “He gave nineteen families a chance to find love instead of loss. That’s the definition of hero in my book.”

Daniels didn’t stop at transport. That same weekend, he hosted a public adoption event with Nickel City Canine Rescue, urging Washington families to open their homes. Several dogs were adopted on the spot, their tails wagging into new lives.

On the field, Daniels is bringing fresh energy to the Washington Commanders offense, with fans eager to see his dynamic playmaking. But off the field, his gesture cemented something even greater: a bond with the community that money or stats can’t measure.

In his own words, Daniels explained his powerful motivation:

“Those dogs didn’t have a voice, so I had to be theirs. Growing up, my family always told me that how you treat animals says a lot about who you are. Saving them wasn’t about football or headlines - it was about giving them the chance to feel love again.”

The rescue has ignited a broader conversation nationwide about shelter overcrowding and the importance of adoption, with media outlets and fans alike amplifying Daniels’ message.

For Commanders fans, this wasn’t just about football pride. It was about seeing one of their own embody the spirit of Washington—gritty, selfless, and heart-led.

By saving nineteen lives, Jayden Daniels gave the city more than a feel-good headline. He gave it a reminder: true greatness isn’t measured by touchdowns, but by the lives you choose to save.

Steelers’ Week 1 Opponent Gets Bad Injury Update Days Before Matchup: Report

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be missing first-round rookie Derrick Harmon along their defensive line in the 2025 season opener. But the team’s Week 1 opponent, the New York Jets, likely won’t be a full strength to block Pittsburgh’s defensive front.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported Wednesday morning former first-rounder and starting guard Alijah Vera-Tucker “has suffered a potentially serious injury.”

Russini didn’t specify whether Vera-Tucker will play on September 7. But she added the guard “could miss significant time.”

Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker has suffered a potentially serious injury and could miss significant time, source says.

New York’s offensive line takes a hit ahead of its Week 1 game against the Steelers. Vera-Tucker was just named a captain for Aaron Glenn. pic.twitter.com/HZYx0DCF8z

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) September 3, 2025

The Jets drafted Vera-Tucker at No. 14 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s been extremely versatile for the New York offensive line.

Over four NFL seasons, Vera-Tucker has started at every offensive line position except center. He’s mostly played guard and excelled when playing along the interior of the Jets line.

As a rookie in 2021, Vera-Tucker started 16 games at left guard. Last season, he started 15 contests at right guard.

According to the Pro Football Focus player grades, Vera-Tucker was New York’s best offensive lineman in 2024. The 26-year-old also finished last season with a PFF grade ranked in the top 10 among guards who played more than 50% of their team’s offensive snaps.

Jets’ Alijah Vera-Tucker Suffers Serious Arm Injury

Russini also didn’t specify what injury Vera-Tucker sustained. But ESPN’s Adam Schefter added more details with his report Wednesday.

“It is an arm injury,” Schefter tweeted. “He is getting a second opinion, and Vera-Tucker might now need surgery.”

Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker suffered a significant injury, as @DMRussini reported.

It is an arm injury, he is getting a second opinion and Vera-Tucker might now need surgery, per sources. pic.twitter.com/AJYzoQVAx8

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 3, 2025

The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt, in collaboration with Russini, wrote in a story Wednesday that the guard’s season is “in jeopardy.”

Again, it’s not clear what Vera-Tucker’s immediate status is. But given that Russini and Schefter focused on the seriousness of the ailment, it’s a safe assumption Vera-Tucker is doubtful to play in Week 1.

Vera-Tucker sat out 22 games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. In 2022, the guard suffered a torn triceps in Week 7 and missed the rest of the season. During 2023, he sustained an Achilles injury in Week 5.

The Jets had to make a decision on Vera-Tucker’s fifth-year option after his back-to-back injury-plagued seasons. The team elected to pick up the option.

That proved to be the right choice last year. Vera-Tucker rebounded to be one of the top guards in the NFL during 2024.

The 26-year-old wanted to repeat that performance this fall to land an expensive second NFL contract. That might be doubtful to happen if the guard misses the 2025 campaign.

This season, he will receive a $15.3 million base salary. Vera-Tucker will be an unrestricted free agent in March.

The Jets named Vera-Tucker a team captain for the 2025 season. The team’s other two offensive captains are quarterback Justin Fields and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.

How Jets Replace Vera-Tucker

The Vera-Tucker injury could give the Steelers an edge on the defensive front even without Harmon. Again, the guard is the team’s best offensive lineman, and the Jets have been game-planning all offseason for him to start at right guard.

If there’s any good news for the Jets, the team has decent offensive line depth. Heavy Sports’ Jordan Foote described it Wednesday.

“The Jets have options. One of them, perhaps the most logical, could be moving center Joe Tippmann over to guard,” Foote wrote. “Not only is he a capable piece there, but the franchise signed Josh Myers during the offseason as competition for him.

“He can fill in at center if New York slides Tippmann over one spot.”

It will help the Jets that Fields is a running quarterback. Steelers fans know, if he gets into trouble, he has the ability to escape without much blocking.

Vera-Tucker’s absence could hurt the Jets running game the most. Like Pittsburgh, the New York offense is expected to be a run-first attack this seaso

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