DeVonta Smith and Darius Slay Both Get Worrying Injury Updates for Week 18
By Jovan Alford
The Philadelphia Eagles will look to end the regular season on a high, as they will go on the road to play the New York Giants on Sunday. The Eagles still have a shot to win the NFC East, but they need to defeat the Giants and hope for a Commanders’ upset win over the Cowboys.
DeVonta Smith (Ankle) and Darius Slay (Knee) Get Bad Injury News
As we get closer to kickoff on Sunday, the Eagles will likely be without two key starters on both sides of the ball. According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, DeVonta Smith isn’t at practice, and Darius Slay is not suited up, which is a sign that they might not play on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Smith suffered an ankle injury in last week’s loss against the Cardinals and has been a DNP for Wednesday and Thursday’s practices. Unfortunately, it will be the young receiver’s first missed game of his career.
Without Smith, the Eagles will lean on Julio Jones or Olamide Zaccheaus as their No. 2 wide receiver. In last week's loss against the Cardinals, Jones scored two touchdowns inside the red zone.
Meanwhile, Slay is working his way back from arthroscopic knee surgery that he underwent before the Eagles’ Week 15 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The veteran cornerback was a limited participant in Wednesday and Thursday practices. However, the Eagles’ best plan of action is to have him ready for the playoffs.
With Slay likely sidelined for Sunday, expect rookie cornerback Kelee Ringo to start opposite vet James Bradberry in the secondary.
Of course, even after a horrible loss in Week 17, this is still a game against a team the Eagles beat by 8 points just two weeks ago. And even with worrying injury news piling up, Philly remains 5.5-point favorites over the Giants on Sunday.
Update - Friday Jan 5 4:30 p.m. ET: As expected, the Eagles have officially ruled out both Smith and Slay for Sunday's game.
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