The Philadelphia Eagles have hit a rough patch in the 2023 NFL season. After starting the season 10-1, they have lost three games in a row, which has sent them plummeting in the standings.
They are currently tied with the Dallas Cowboys for first place in the NFC East, but because of current tiebreakers, they are the top Wild Card team. They haven’t looked good the last few weeks, but they are hoping that a soft schedule to close out the season will help them get back on track ahead of the postseason.
The Eagles will be facing the New York Giants on Christmas Day, but they could be without one of their key contributors. As shared by Reuben Frank of NBC Sports Philadelphia, star wide receiver DeVonta Smith was not participating in practice on Thursday.
Smith was listed as a non-participant because of his knee. He was joined by linebacker Zach Cunningham, guard Landon Dickerson, linebacker Nicholas Morrow and cornerback Darius Slay on the sidelines. They were dealing with knee, thumb, abdomen and knee ailments, respectively.
Not having Smith in the lineup would be a huge blow to an offense that has been struggling in the last few weeks. Jalen Hurts has thrown for 200 or fewer yards in four out of the last five games and being without his No. 2 receiver won’t help matters.
The Eagles are certainly hopeful that this is just a maintenance day for Smith, who has yet to miss a game in his NFL career. He has been playing at a high level, recording at least five receptions or 50 yards in seven straight games after a shaky five-game stretch earlier in the season.
Should Smith not be able to suit up, Brown will be the unquestioned No. 1 target in the offense. The Eagles would then have to rely on Julio Jones, Quez Watkins and Olamide Zaccheus to fill in behind him. Tight end Dallas Goedert would probably be the No. 2 target in the offense if Smith cannot go.
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