Sunday turned into a disaster for the Philadelphia Eagles in a hurry. Their 21-6 lead over the Arizona Cardinals somehow evaporated in the second half, and that self-implosion ultimately led to a stunning 35-31 defeat.
Unfortunately, Philly suffered a major loss in more than one way in Week 17, as star wide receiver DeVonta Smith came off of the field limping following a screen play late in the fourth quarter.
The initial update on Smith after the contest did not bear good news.
DeVonta Smith is on crutches and in a walking boot leaving the Linc. He was injured on a roll-up while being the lead-blocker on a 3rd & 19 bubble screen. #Eagles
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) December 31, 2023
📸: @OmarDRuiz pic.twitter.com/Tg2A57rPMs
Multiple reporters said Smith was spotted in a walking boot and on crutches. NFL Network's Omar Ruiz captured a photo that shows how dire the wideout's situation is.
Smith's right ankle was rolled up on while trying to block for Kenneth Gainwell on the team's penultimate drive. He was in obvious pain as he came off of the field, which immediately prompted concerns.
Devonta Smith #FlyEaglesFly
— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) December 31, 2023
Watch as the defender falls into the outside of his leg while he’s engaged blocking. Common mechanism for a high ankle and/or MCL injury. Hope it’s nothing, but he limped off the field pic.twitter.com/GXR9Ojl9Ua
Of course, all outsiders can do right now is theorize what injury Smith might've suffered. Regardless, it's seems as though his availability in the immediate future could be up in the air.
Now the bigger worry is about Smith's potential status for the first round of the playoffs with the regular-season finale next Sunday. Recoveries from ankle and lower-leg ailments are always different depending upon the player, so it's tough to guarantee the Alabama product will be available for Wild Card Weekend.
Hopefully further testing shows Smith avoided any kind of worst-case scenario, though the approaching playoffs means even a multi-week injury would sideline him, leaving little time to get back to 100%.
In other Eagles news: