DeVonta Smith has been one of the Philadelphia Eagles' premier offensive weapons ever since they drafted him 10th overall in 2021. By his sophomore season, he and AJ Brown had become one of the premier wideout duos in the league and constituted part of a monstrous core that also included quarterback Jalen Hurts, running back Miles Sanders and tight end Dallas Goedert.
But in the early goings of 2024, Smith has been mostly nowhere to be seen due to a concussion he sustained in their Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints. He has yet to play since. Will he return this week?
Will DeVonta Smith play in Week 6?
According to the team's injury report, Smith has cleared concussion protocol and will be available to play on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. The game marks the Eagles' first since their open week, which should have given him enough recovery time.
To further emphasize his availability, he discussed the hit that caused his concussion during Friday practice:
“I don’t feel like it was a dirty hit. More so, I feel like the whistle should have been blown... I can’t extend the play if I’m moving backwards.”
Also cleared to play are his fellow wideouts AJ Brown (hamstring) and Johnny Wilson (concussion). Right tackle Lane Johnson has also cleared concussion protocol and is expected to start.
On the other side of the ball, linebacker Nakobe Dean (ankle) and safeties Reed Blankenship (illness) and Sydney Brown (knee) are also expected to play.
DeVonta Smith's performance this season
In his three games so far (all starts), DeVonta Smith has been fairly prolific. In each of them, he caught seven passes for at least 75 yards and scored a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Eagles felt the effects of not having him and AJ Brown during their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where they managed just a single touchdown courtesy of Parris Campbell. Against the Cleveland Browns, they will need both players, who, despite their offensive struggles, still boast a lethal defense.
The secondary poses a particular challenge for Nick Sirianni and Kellen Moore, as it is among the deeper ones in the league. Cornerback Denzel Ward is its centerpiece despite concussion problems, and it also includes Martin Emerson, Greg Newsome II and safeties Ronnie Hickman and Grant Delpit — all capable of shutting down the aerial game.
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