A Philadelphia Eagles offense searching for a pulse could be without one of its top playmakers for a pivotal Week 13 NFC showdown.
Wide receiver DeVonta Smith was listed as DNP (did not participate) on the Eagles’ Wednesday injury report, the second consecutive day he received the designation. Per Wednesday’s report, Smith is dealing with shoulder and chest injuries as well as illness.
On Friday, the Eagles (8-3) host the Chicago Bears (8-3) in a game between division leaders.
Philadelphia Eagles can’t afford DeVonta Smith to miss Week 13 versus Bears
Smith is Philadelphia’s leading receiver, gaining 754 yards on 55 receptions (13.7 yards per catch). His health will be key for an Eagles offense that is struggling mightily against a Bears secondary that could be the healthiest it’s been all season.
Cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson (groin) and Kyler Gordon (calf) have been full participants at practice the past two days. Both are on injured reserve but could be activated for Friday’s game.
The two players have been limited to three combined games this season, and their potential return could be a huge boost to a Bears defense that ranks No. 21 against the pass, allowing 224.7 yards per game. The Eagles, meanwhile, are No. 22 in passing offense, averaging 225 yards per game. Philadelphia has failed to generate many explosive plays through the air, and possibly losing Smith will make it harder for the Eagles to push the ball downfield.
That might lead to another week of vanilla play-calling with Philadelphia playing it safe. As unappealing as that sounds, it could work to the Eagles’ advantage. The Bears have the league’s most opportunistic defense, forcing a turnover on 20 percent of opponents drives, per Pro Football Reference, while Philadelphia has the league’s lowest turnover rate (4.4 percent).
At a certain point, however, the Eagles must open up their offense. With the Bears averaging 30.3 points and 403.8 yards per game during their current four-game win streak, that could be as soon as this Friday. Philadelphia will have a much more difficult time doing so if Smith can’t play.
