Lance

Dixon

Smith reportedly re-injured the triceps muscle that he tore during Super Bowl LIX. He underwent surgery to repair the torn tissue this offseason. The Eagles believe Smith will not require surgery and hope to have him back “around” their Week 9 bye. Players placed on injured reserve are eligible to return after missing four games. The Eagles also placed CB Jakorian Bennett and WR Darius Cooper on injured reserve with undisclosed injuries. Both players are likewise expected to avoid surgery and are expected to return around Week 9. The Eagles signed S Marcus Epps, TE Cameron Latu, and CB Parry Nickerson to the active roster, and LB Lance Dixon, DB Eli Ricks, and WR Quez Watkins to the practice squad.

Dixon (6'2/210) signed on with the Nittany Lions as a consensus four-star recruit in the 2019 cycle. After appearing in three games as a true freshman, the linebacker went on to register 10 tackles and a forced fumble across nine games played -- including one start -- this past fall. 247Sports’ Allen Trieu sees Dixon as a nice fit for the Mountaineers given his athletic upside as well as his ability to work comfortably in space.

Dixon (6'2"/210) was a highly sought-after four-star prospect who was considering Michigan State, Wisconsin, Michigan and several other Midwest schools before committing to the Nittany Lions. The West Bloomfield, MI native was rated as the ninth best OLB and fifth best player in the state of Michigan from the 2018 prep class. 247Sports is predicting a return home to Michigan for the talented linebacker.

Dixon also was considering Michigan State, Wisconsin, Michigan and several other Midwest schools before committing to the Nittany Lions. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound linebacker is another big get for the Penn State class, as he ranks 16th among outside linebackers on 247 Sports composite rankings. It moves the PSU group to 20th among 247 Sports rankings of the top classes, and 4th-best in the Big Ten.

Dixon (6'3/195) will also visit Penn State the week before. Those are the only two scheduled visits so far for Dixon, but he’s also reportedly considering Michigan State, Michigan and a few others in the Midwest. He ranks 21st on 247 Sports rankings among outside linebackers, and 171st overall in their rankings of the top players in the class.