After missing the past two weeks due to a hamstring injury, DeVonta Smith, affectionately nicknamed “Skinny Batman,” appears to be on the mend and poised for a return to action. On Wednesday, Smith participated fully in the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice, signaling a likely return for their Week 14 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. This positive development, initially reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, provides a much-needed boost to an Eagles team preparing to face the 3-9 Panthers.
Smith’s return could prove crucial, particularly as the Eagles contend with uncertainty surrounding tight end Dallas Goedert. Goedert, who sustained a knee injury during a recent game against the Baltimore Ravens, is considered week-to-week. His absence could leave a significant gap in the Eagles’ offensive strategy. Head coach Nick Sirianni addressed this issue during a press conference, emphasizing the value of veteran tight end C.J. Uzomah as a potential contributor. Sirianni praised Uzomah’s leadership, team-first mentality, and ability to step up in critical moments despite limited on-field opportunities since joining the Eagles.
“We’ll see on Dallas [Goedert] as the week progresses,” Sirianni stated. “As for C.J. [Uzomah], he’s a veteran presence and an incredible teammate. When we brought him onto the team, everyone from his former teams said the same thing: great teammate, glue guy, and reliable. He’s done well on special teams and has shown flashes of his abilities when given opportunities.” Sirianni further highlighted Uzomah’s solid blocking and potential to make plays in the passing game as assets that could be utilized if Goedert remains sidelined.
While Grant Calcaterra is likely to assume the primary tight end responsibilities if Goedert is unavailable, Uzomah’s experience could be invaluable, especially in specific formations like 12 personnel or heavy packages. This depth will be critical as the Eagles look to avoid a misstep against a young and improving Panthers team led by rookie quarterback Bryce Young.
Smith’s return adds a dynamic element to the Eagles’ offense, particularly as he has performed admirably this season despite missing time. In nine games, Smith has recorded 516 receiving yards and four touchdowns, averaging 57.3 yards per game as Philadelphia’s WR2. Though reaching 1,000 yards for a third consecutive season may be challenging after his absence, the schedule’s remaining defenses provide opportunities for standout performances.
With Smith back in action and potential contributions from players like Uzomah, the Eagles are well-positioned to handle the challenges ahead. Avoiding a “trap game” loss against Carolina will require all hands on deck, but the team’s depth and resilience give them a strong chance to maintain their push for NFC dominance.
