Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith exited after the first drive of the team’s Week 17 matchup vs. the Dallas Cowboys. Below are the latest updates on the Eagles’ wideout.
What Happened to DeVonta Smith?
On the Eagles’ second play from scrimmage, Smith was knocked to the ground by Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau with Kenny Pickett scrambling outside the pocket. He entered the blue medical tent at the end of the drive.
Devonta Smith is in the medical tent after getting hit on this play.pic.twitter.com/OVlXr6t4rA
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 29, 2024
Broadcast cameras showed Smith shaking his right wrist, but he did remain on the bench after exiting the tent.
Eagles WR DeVonta Smith getting his wrist checked on the sideline. pic.twitter.com/xxRu8OSZKL
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 29, 2024
The fourth-year receiver sat out the Eagles’ ensuing series while watching from the sidelines, but returned at 12:49 of the second quarter. He proved to be just fine, capping off that series with a 22-yard touchdown.
That Kenny Pickett – DeVonta Smith connection 🎯👀 pic.twitter.com/Dn7voNxy3r
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 29, 2024
Smith ended up with one of his best games of the season, a remarkable fact considering his early injury, Jalen Hurts being out with a concussion, and Kenny Pickett leaving mid-game with a rib injury. He ended up with six receptions for a season-high 120 yards and two touchdowns.
Smith has missed three games this season due to injury, but has reached the end zone in three of his last four games, including Week 17.
Potential Fantasy Fallout From Smith’s Injury
Smith saw 20 targets across the two games prior to this week, seeing his value spike at the right time for fantasy football managers. The Eagles lack depth in their wide receiver room, and with Dallas Goedert already out, the target distribution figures to focus on A.J. Brown as much as ever.
Grant Calcaterra sees his target expectancy rise enough to put him in the Week 18 streamer conversation if the Eagles have something to play for. Yet, if this is a Tanner McKee-led offense with Hurts and Pickett injured, Philadelphia’s passing game grades as below average and doesn’t require you to invest in a player as a result of Smith’s injury.