Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Bryce Huff to undergo wrist surgery

Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Pass rusher Bryce Huff, who signed a $51.1 million contract in March with the Philadelphia Eagles, will undergo wrist surgery, but could return later this season, coach Nick Sirianni announced Wednesday.

"He's really done a good job of battling through, but this will hopefully help him get some more function in that hand," Sirianni told reporters. "We will see as the season continues."

Sirianni said "we'll see," when asked if rookie outside linebacker Jalyx Hunt will assume a bigger role due to Huff's hiatus. Hunt, a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, totaled three combined tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles and a pass defensed through nine appearances this season.

"We'll see how that goes," Sirianni said. "We've got some guys. Obviously, with all these guys, we really like our room. They've been playing at a really high level. We obviously drafted Jalyx because we liked his skillset."

Sirianni said he didn't know if Huff will go on injured reserve.

Huff, who joined the Eagles on a three-year deal in free agency, logged a career-high 10 sacks last season with the New York Jets. He joined the Jets as an undrafted free agent out of Memphis in 2020.

Huff totaled 10 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble through five appearances this season for the Eagles. He wore a cast over his left wrist over the last several weeks.

The Eagles started Nolan Smith, the No. 30 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, in place of Huff at left edge rusher in four of their last five games.

Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat are among the Eagles' other pass rushers.

The Eagles (8-2) have the No. 1 defense in the NFL, in terms of yards allowed. They will face the Los Angeles Rams (5-5) on Sunday in Inglewood, Calif.