Former Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Philadelphia Phillies’ MLB interleague game against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday night.

Does that mean he’s seen more action with the Phillies than with the Eagles?

Philadelphia’s NFL team traded up one spot in the first round of the NFL Draft on April 24 to make certain they got Campbell. But offseason surgery on his left shoulder for a torn labrum kept Campbell from participating with his new teammates in the Eagles’ offseason drills.

Philadelphia’s players report for training camp on Tuesday, and the Eagles haven’t provided a timetable for when Campbell might start doing more than individual work.

“Every athlete can vouch for this,” Campbell said, “but we always feel like, ‘Dang, I want to get back out there.’ God has a story for everybody, especially for my journey. I got hurt. It’s just all about rehab and taking it one day at a time. Just trusting in God’s faith and God’s journey, so I can be the best version of myself.

“The biggest goal is to get back, get back healthy, making sure I’m strong and have a good mentality going into camp.”

The Eagles have two spots where they could use Campbell’s help.

Philadelphia has Zack Braun, a first-team All-Pro selection, and Nakobe Dean returning at inside linebacker for the 2025 season – when Dean is healthy again. Dean recorded 128 tackles in 2024, but he sustained a torn patellar tendon in his left knee in Philadelphia’s playoff opener, and his return seems even further off than Campbell’s.

Nolan Smith is back after recording 6.5 sacks at outside linebacker in 2024. But Josh Sweat left the Eagles for the Arizona Cardinals as a free agent this offseason after recording 43 sacks in the past six seasons for Philadelphia.

The Eagles kick off their three-game preseason schedule on Aug. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals and play in the opening game of the NFL’s 2025 regular season on Sept. 4 against the Dallas Cowboys.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.