Eagles Drop Promising Rookie to Practice Squad After Skipping Game-Plan Meeting Ahead of Rams Clash

Philadelphia, PA – September 21, 2025

 The Philadelphia Eagles stunned their fanbase on Saturday with a surprising roster move, sending a highly regarded rookie linebacker to the practice squad just hours before their pivotal Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field. Once considered a key depth piece for the defense, the young player now faces an early career setback that has left both fans and analysts questioning what went wrong.

Drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, the rookie turned heads throughout training camp and preseason with his athleticism and flashes of playmaking ability. With his ideal measurables and promising upside, he appeared to be a natural fit for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s system, particularly on special teams. Though he earned a spot on the Eagles’ initial 53-man roster, he did not see the field in the first two games (Week 1 vs. the Dallas Cowboys and Week 2 vs. the Kansas City Chiefs). That lack of action reportedly set the stage for the team’s controversial decision.

The player is Smael Mondon Jr., a 22-year-old linebacker out of Georgia. According to multiple team insiders, Mondon skipped a mandatory game-plan meeting on Saturday morning at the NovaCare Complex. The session, typically lasting an hour or more, focuses on film study, opponent scouting, and role assignments ahead of game day. Sources say Mondon excused his absence by claiming he “knew he wouldn’t play,” a stance the coaching staff viewed as unacceptable.

Head coach Nick Sirianni, who has built his tenure on accountability and team-first culture, addressed the move directly.

“Talent will always matter in this league, but attitude matters more. If a player skips a game-plan meeting just because he thinks he’s only a backup, he’s revealing everything about his mindset. We build this team on character, not excuses.”

Sirianni emphasized that preparation is non-negotiable, regardless of whether the player is Jalen Hurts or the last man on the depth chart. He described the demotion as a clear statement about the culture in Philadelphia: discipline and professionalism come before raw talent.

Mondon arrived in Philadelphia with championship pedigree, playing a key role at the University of Georgia during its back-to-back national titles. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, he offered speed and range that seemed tailor-made for Fangio’s defensive packages. His rookie contract, worth roughly $4.6 million over four years, reflected the Eagles’ investment in his long-term development.

But with a deep linebacker room headlined by first-rounder Jihaad Campbell, Nakobe Dean, and veteran Zack Baun, Mondon was relegated to a backup role. His frustration with limited opportunities—and his decision to skip Saturday’s meeting—has now resulted in a costly misstep.

The move opens a spot on the 53-man roster, and the Eagles are reportedly weighing options to elevate a player from the practice squad. Running back Montrell Johnson and tight end E.J. Jenkins are among the candidates to be called up for Sunday’s matchup against the Rams.

As for Mondon, he remains eligible for up to three standard elevations this season but will need to show renewed focus and commitment to work his way back onto the active roster.

The demotion underscores a reality for every NFL newcomer: talent alone isn’t enough. Professionalism, preparation, and mindset often dictate who thrives and who falters. For Mondon, it’s a tough but necessary lesson—one that could define the trajectory of his career.

The Eagles haven’t closed the book on Mondon. On the practice squad, he’ll continue to develop while awaiting another chance. But in Philadelphia’s demanding football culture, the road back will require more than talent. It will demand maturity, accountability, and a willingness to embrace the grind.