Going into their week 13 showdown in Baltimore, the Eagles could be preparing for their toughest test yet. Currently powered through a run of seven wins in a row, a victory on Sunday could all but secure their playoff spot this season. However, it won’t be an easy feat considering the absentees in their squad. One of the biggest names who could be missing out on Sunday might be their receiver, DeVonta Smith.
Smith, who first found himself injured with a hamstring in week 9 continued to play through it the next two games. However, the Eagles finally decided to rule him out before facing the Rams last week. Although they managed to ram through them in Los Angeles 20-37, Smith’s availability remains a question.
This got the Eagles’ receiver himself to break the silence on his thoughts of playing this week, “There’s a difference between playing through pain and playing through something you can make worse every week. You can play through pain and still get better. But playing through something you’re going to constantly make worse is (not good).” Well, it’s true the last two games he played through a hamstring massively hampered his production.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
DeVonta Smith: “There’s a difference between playing through pain and playing through something you can make worse every week. You can play thorough pain and still get better. But playing through something you’re going to constantly make worse is (not good).” https://t.co/P3QRDi7tfw
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) November 30, 2024
Against the Cowboys, Smith only recorded 2 receptions for 14 yards. And the following week, coming up against the Commanders, Smith just got 4 receptions for 29 yards. Over the 9 games he has played so far, Smith has caught 41 catches for 516 yards with 4 TDs. Even running up to this clash, Smith was like, “I still don’t know right now,” when asked about his availability. Now he isn’t the only receiver to miss the Eagles clash in Baltimore.
Rookie receiver Johnny Wilson, who played a season-high 69% of offensive snaps last week, suddenly popped up on the injury reserves this Friday. And now he was further downgraded to out with a hamstring injury, just like DeVonta Smith. But hold on. The Eagles are not only suffering from offensive absentees. Even their defense is equally sort.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Philadelphia going into Baltimore with key players missing from their defense
After suffering a concussion against the Rams, the Eagles have now ruled out their star cornerback Darius Slay in Baltimore. He still hasn’t cleared the concussion protocol, thereby leaving the Eagles’ defense short of key players. Playing his fifth season with the Philly’s, Slay has till now posted 32 total tackles, out of which 26 were solo. But that’s not all. Slay also has one forced fumble and eight pass breakups against his name. Well, Slay won’t be the only loss for the Eagles this week.
They just lost veteran defensive end, Brandon Graham for the season that is supposed to be his last. It will be a massive disappointment to see Graham end his career in the NFL heading early into the treatment table. But a torn tricep against the Rams all but confirmed his early retirement. However, the Eagles’ head coach, Nick Sirianni, this offseason didn’t forget to give Graham his flowers on his final year on the gridiron, “Can’t say enough good things about BG. I think you guys have asked me this couple of times, just everybody in every workplace needs a Brandon Graham. His energy is contagious. If you are having a bad day, and you get around him, he can turn your day positive.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As for the Eagles, they would surely miss both Slay and Graham against an explosive Ravens offense. Till now, they are averaging a league-high 426.7 yards per game. And the Eagles should prepare themselves vividly if they don’t want to face the wrath of the Ravens in Baltimore.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
Debate
Can the Eagles survive the Ravens' onslaught without DeVonta Smith and Darius Slay on the field?
What’s your perspective on:
Can the Eagles survive the Ravens' onslaught without DeVonta Smith and Darius Slay on the field?
Have an interesting take?