After missing Week 4 due to a concussion, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith could return following the team’s bye week. Smith is a key cog in Philadelphia’s offense, and Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore was utilizing the 25-year-old wide receiver unlike he has ever been used in the NFL.
Smith suffered a concussion following a controversial hit from New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khristian Boyd in Week 3. Luckily, Smith avoided any other significant injuries and could be ready to return against the Cleveland Browns in Week 6.
Here is the latest on Smith’s injury and his fantasy football outlook moving forward.
DeVonta Smith Could Return in Week 6
While the Eagles were already dealing with the loss of star wide receiver A.J. Brown since Week 2, Smith helped fill the void as Philadelphia’s WR1. In Week 4, the Eagles were forced to operate without Brown and Smith, which led to an ugly performance from the offense.
Luckily for the Eagles, Smith will likely return to action following the team’s bye week. Smith remains in concussion protocol after missing the entire week of practice leading up to Philadelphia’s Week 4 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Considering that Smith is recovering from a concussion, it’s fair to speculate that he should be ready to return after nearly three weeks of recovery time.
SEE MORE: NFL Injury Report
In 2022, the NFL’s top medical official said that players diagnosed with a concussion miss an average time of nine days. When the Eagles host the Browns on Oct. 13, Smith will be 20 days removed from initially suffering a concussion.
While many were upset with Philadelphia’s early bye week when the regular season schedule was initially announced, it’s suddenly looking like a blessing in disguise for the Eagles.
The week off will allow several key offensive starters, including Brown, to get healthy for the Eagles as they look to bounce back after an inconsistent start to the regular season.
Smith’s Fantasy Outlook
Despite being the WR2 in Philadelphia last season, Smith finished as a top-20 wide receiver in fantasy football last season. Smith averaged 14.2 points per game in full-PPR scoring leagues in 2023.
Before suffering a concussion, Smith was off to an even better start. Through the first three games of the regular season, Smith averaged 16.97 points per game, a mark that would rank him among the top 10 scoring wide receivers this season.
Regardless of Brown’s potential return in Week 6, Smith still offers a ton of value and remains a must start player in fantasy football, if healthy.
In Week 1 with Brown healthy, Smith played 70.7% of his snaps in the slot, by far the highest single-game total in his NFL career. Smith proved to be one of the most efficient high-volume targets in the NFL during Week 1 as well.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts targeted Smith eight times, he hauled in seven receptions for 84 yards, including five catches for a first down. Week 1 offered a glimpse into Smith’s fantasy football value, even with Brown on the field in Philadelphia.
With Brown unavailable in Week 2, Smith showcased his value in the red zone as well. Smith hauled in a seven-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons.
Jalen Hurts to DeVonta Smith for SIX.
📺: #ATLvsPHI on ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/m311D2Ve9I— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2024
Considering that the Eagles are heading into a bye week and Smith is still recovering from a concussion, there’s a chance that he could be available for trade in your fantasy football league. If Smith is available for trade, you should certainly send an offer for Philadelphia’s WR2.
According to PFN’s Fantasy Football Trade Value Chart, Smith is the 19th overall wide receiver with a trade value of 39.2. Considering Smith’s upside as a potential top-10 wide receiver in full-PPR scoring leagues, he could easily outperform that value in 2024.
Now is the time to take advantage of a potential lull in Smith’s market, following his recent injury and Philadelphia’s bye week. If you are able to land Smith this week, he could become a league-winning player for your fantasy football team.