The Philadelphia Eagles might be heading into Sunday with a wounded wing.
The birds are getting set for a Week 12 matchup against the Rams on "Sunday Night Football," but could one of their stars be sidelined? DeVonta Smith, has landed on the injury report and now finds himself in danger of watching the game like the rest of us.
It's an unwelcome reality for Philly, which is flying high atop the NFC East at 8-2 as winners of six straight. In prime position to capture the division crown, injuries could be the only thing that disrupts its flight. Here's the latest on Smith ahead of Week 12.
Smith has been a mainstay on the Eagles' injury report since Week 10 as he's dealt with a hamstring issue. While he has yet to miss a game for this ailment, the update ahead of Week 12 warrants more concern. Smith was listed as a DNP on Wednesday and Thursday, which now brings his availability for Sunday into question.
The receiver likely needs to turn in at least a limited session on Friday to have a chance at playing this week. Another DNP would almost certainly close the door on Smith's ability to participate against the Rams.
Since the team will have to travel to L.A. for "Sunday Night Football," fans and fantasy managers should receive more concrete information on Friday. The Eagles' receiving room has dealt with its fair share of issues in 2024, losing A.J. Brown for a three-game stretch earlier in the season and also Smith to a concussion in Week 4.
Philly's offense has relied heavily on running back Saquon Barkley as a result, and for good reason. If the MVP award wasn't essentially exclusive to quarterbacks, Barkley would have a great case. The Eagles' depth at receiver beyond Brown and Smith doesn't strike fear into opposing defenses, meaning an absence for either is a big deal.
With no real plan in place to replace someone like Smith, the Eagles will likely funnel targets to the running backs, tight ends and Brown. Fantasy managers will want to pivot to another team if Smith can't go on Sunday.
It's unclear when Smith injured his hamstring, but the issue is clearly impacting him. He limped off the field following the team's win over the Commanders in Week 11 and this week's injury report seems to indicate that the extra rest made little difference.
Hamstring injuries are a nuisance to navigate and Smith's drop in production makes it seem like a week off wouldn't be the worst idea.
Smith posted 87 yards and a touchdown in Week 9, but hasn't eclipsed 30 yards or found the end zone in either game since the injury surfaced. The 26-year-old has some catching up to do if he hopes to replicate the same production he's delivered in previous years.
Through nine games, Smith has racked up 516 yards, four touchdowns and hauled in 41-of-56 targets.