January 01, 2024
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Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports
Eagles WR DeVonta Smith walking back to the team's locker room late against the Cardinals on Sunday with an injury.
Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith is believed to have a mild ankle sprain, per the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, which should avoid what appeared to be a much worse scenario after the star wideout was seen on crutches and in a walking boot following the team's 35-31 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
#Eagles WR DeVonta Smith, who was spotted leaving yesterday’s game in a walking boot, is believed to be dealing with a mild ankle sprain, sources say. He’ll have more tests today, but not considered a major injury.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 1, 2024
Late in the fourth quarter and facing a 3rd and 20, the Eagles' offense ran a screen to Kenny Gainwell that required Smith to block in front of him. The play got them four yards – essentially nowhere at a crucial point in the game – and at the cost of Smith's leg getting rolled up on, which took him out the rest of the way for an offense that was once again stagnating.
Smith had only three receptions for 30 yards in Sunday's loss, but is up to 1,066 yards receiving on the season and is regarded as one of the league's best route runners. So for a team that is struggling enough as is, the Eagles can't afford to be without half of their top receiving duo for long, not with only a week left before the playoffs and the NFC East title still on the line.
Smith will likely be on the Eagles' injury report ahead of Week 18's finale against the Giants – now set for a 4:25 p.m. start – and will have his status monitored as the week goes by while the free-falling Eagles scramble to get their act together.
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