Eagles WR DeVonta Smith (Hamstring) Inactive for Anticipated Matchup vs. Ravens
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Philadelphia Eagles will be without their top wide receiver, DeVonta Smith, when they take on the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Smith, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury, was ruled inactive for the game on Saturday.
Smith’s absence is a significant blow to the Eagles’ offense. The 23-year-old is one of the most talented young receivers in the NFL, and he has been a key part of Philadelphia’s passing game this season. In eight games, Smith has caught 45 passes for 672 yards and four touchdowns. He is also averaging 15.1 yards per catch, which ranks among the top 10 in the NFL.
The Eagles will now have to rely on other receivers to step up in Smith’s absence. Quez Watkins, Jalen Reagor, and Greg Ward are all expected to see increased playing time on Sunday. Watkins has been the most productive of the three this season, with 25 catches for 430 yards and two touchdowns. Reagor has been less consistent, but he has shown flashes of his potential. Ward is a reliable slot receiver who can move the chains.
The Ravens’ defense will be a tough test for the Eagles’ receivers. Baltimore has one of the top pass defenses in the NFL, and they are led by cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Humphrey is one of the best cover corners in the league, and he will likely be matched up against Watkins or Reagor on Sunday.
The Eagles will also need to be careful with their running game. The Ravens have a stout run defense, and they are led by linebacker Patrick Queen. Queen is one of the most athletic linebackers in the NFL, and he is a force against the run.
Despite the challenges they face, the Eagles are still confident that they can win on Sunday. They have a lot of talent on their roster, and they are well-coached. If they can protect the football and make some big plays on offense, they have a chance to beat the Ravens.
Injury Update
In addition to Smith, the Eagles will also be without several other key players on Sunday. Running back Miles Sanders (ankle) and cornerback Darius Slay (hamstring) have both been ruled out. Defensive end Brandon Graham (elbow) and safety Rodney McLeod (knee) are both questionable.
The Ravens will also be without some key players on Sunday. Quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) and running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) have both been ruled out. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman (foot) and cornerback Marcus Peters (knee) are both questionable.
What to Watch For
Here are a few things to watch for in Sunday’s game between the Eagles and Ravens:
- Can the Eagles’ receivers step up in Smith’s absence?
- Can the Eagles’ defense slow down the Ravens’ offense without Sanders and Slay?
- Can the Eagles’ running game get going against the Ravens’ stout run defense?
- Can the Eagles protect the football and make some big plays on offense?
The Eagles and Ravens are both 8-1 this season, so Sunday’s game is a big one for both teams. The winner will have a leg up in the race for the AFC North title.