8:02 PM: Veteran outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari has been inactive for each of the Eagles’ first three games, but that could very well change after the team placed outside linebacker Nolan Smith on Injured Reserve on Wednesday.
“Whatever the opportunity is, I’ll take it,” Ojulari said on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Ojulari admitted that as a competitor, it’s been “tough” to not play, while adding, “whatever to help the team win, I’m willing to do it.”
A former second-round pick out of Georgia, Ojulari was an instant-impact player for the Giants in 2021 with 49 tackles, 38 QB pressures, 13 QB hits, and eight sacks. He played in every game that season, starting 13 contests.
In the three years since that outstanding rookie year, Ojulari accumulated 62 QB pressures, 24 QB hits, and 14 sacks. The Eagles valued Ojulari’s talent and added him into the fold on a one-year contract in the offseason, giving Ojulari the opportunity to earn his way into the playing rotation.
Ojulari has aided in giving the offense looks on the scout team, adjusting to the different circumstances.
“You’re coming to work every day, trying to get better,” Ojulari said. “Just working, just keeping the body right. Treatment, whatever it is to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.
“To be out there one day, that’s the goal.”
And it could come on Sunday against the 3-0 Buccaneers led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has engineered last-minute, game-winning drives in each of the first three games.
“We gotta have a group rush. That’s something we speak about because he’s a guy who can get out of the pocket and run,” said Ojulari of Mayfield, who has added 116 rushing yards this season. “He’s a great mobile quarterback and he’s trying to make that play. I feel like we have to rush together when you’re going against him.” – Chris McPherson