Eagles coaches throw support behind Jalyx Hunt
The Eagles were already thin at the outside linebacker position, with Nolan Smith and Ogbo Okoronkwo on IR, and then Za’ Darius Smith unexpectedly announced his retirement after the team’s Week 6 loss. That leaves Jalyx Hunt, Patrick Johnson, Azeez Ojulari, and Joshua Uche manning the outside.
Patrick Johnson just recorded his first career sack in last Thursday night’s game, Ojulari was inactive for the first four games and didn’t get live reps until the Eagles played the Broncos, and Uche has 13 tackles in six games. While all those guys might be capable, Jalyx Hunt has the highest expectations to step up into a bigger role with this opportunity. That hasn’t happened just yet, but head coach Nick Sirianni and DC Vic Fangio both still have confidence in the young OLB.
“SIRIANNI: As far as my confidence in the guys there on that defensive line, a lot of confidence in them. A lot of guys that have played. Young guy in Jalyx [Hunt] who’s continuing to get better each and every week. My confidence in him is so high. And then you’ve got guys that have played a lot of football, and I’m excited about those guys and continuing to help them get better within our schemes.
So yeah, I like that position. I like the depth that we have at that position.“
Fangio shared similar sentiments when asked about the edge depth and concerns. He explained that it would be great to get more players at just about every position, but ultimately he’s happy with the guys already on the roster and thinks some are capable of stepping up with this opportunity. Hunt specifically is someone the DC feels is a good young player who continues to improve.
“FANGIO: I think he’s a good young player who’s improving all the time and we’re happy to have [Jalyx Hunt]. I think he’s playing good overall.“
Hunt has accounted for 14 total tackles, including five QB hits, through six games and has been impactful at times this season.
Despite his quick accession during the Eagles Super Bowl run last year, it’s important to keep in context that Hunt is only in his second season after a college career at Houston Christian University. He was able to develop faster than expected as a rookie, but is still someone who is learning his role and honing his details and technique.
There’s a few weeks left until the league’s trade deadline, and it wouldn’t be surprising for Howie Roseman to bring someone in to help on the edge — Fangio also mentioned the possibility of moving rookie Jihaad Campbell to the outside. But for now, it’ll be up to Hunt and the other guys on the roster to figure things out.
Colts HC Shane Steichen to make final decision on QB situation behind Daniel Jones
The Indianapolis Colts are rolling at 5-1, but quarterback depth has become a major storyline heading into Week 7. With Anthony Richardson on injured reserve, head coach Shane Steichen will decide who backs up Daniel Jones — either rookie Riley Leonard or veteran Brett Rypien.
The Athletic’s James Boyd took to X (formerly known as Twitter), reporting that a team source confirmed Steichen will make the call after evaluating both options in practice this week.
“Source said #Colts HC Shane Steichen will have the final say of who is QB2 between Riley Leonard and Brett Rypien.
We can also ask Steichen before practice tomorrow (and again Friday after Rypien has practiced the whole week).”
Leonard, a sixth-round rookie from Notre Dame, has been with the Colts all season and has taken most backup reps since Richardson’s eye injury. Meanwhile, Rypien signed to the practice squad on October 14 and brings veteran experience from stints with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks.
The decision carries weight. Jones has completely revived his career under Steichen, leading the AFC’s top scoring offense. But should he miss time, the Colts must trust the next man up to keep their momentum going.
Steichen’s evaluation extends beyond game readiness — it’s also about locker room confidence and long-term continuity. Coaches and teammates alike have praised both quarterbacks for their preparation, making the final decision a reflection of who best aligns with the Colts’ offensive identity.
Leonard offers upside and youth, while Rypien brings system familiarity and game experience. The choice by the Colts coach will reveal whether he values development or veteran security as the team pushes for a playoff run.
Steichen is expected to speak before and after practice later this week, with a final depth chart decision coming no later than Friday. Until then, the quarterback room remains under review.
