In a highly anticipated Week 13 matchup, the Philadelphia Eagles will take the field without star wide receiver DeVonta Smith.
The fourth-year standout has been officially ruled inactive for Sunday’s showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, marking his second consecutive missed game and third absence this season. NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo broke the news, which was later confirmed by the team.
Smith sustained a hamstring injury during the Eagles’ Thursday night victory over the Washington Commanders on November 14. Despite returning to practice in a limited capacity on Thanksgiving and again on Friday, the Eagles ultimately determined that Smith isn’t ready for game action. His absence will be felt, as Philadelphia aims to extend its seven-game winning streak.
The Eagles’ offense has proven resilient without Smith, holding a 1-1 record in games he’s missed. However, his absence during their Week 3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers exposed vulnerabilities in their passing attack. Since then, Philadelphia has remained undefeated, but losing a top playmaker like Smith puts added pressure on quarterback Jalen Hurts and the rest of the offense.
Smith’s impact on the Eagles’ passing game is undeniable. Despite missing two games, he leads the team with 41 receptions and shares the lead in touchdown catches with A.J. Brown at four apiece. His 516 receiving yards this season have been instrumental in maintaining balance within an offense that thrives on versatility.
With Smith sidelined, Brown will once again take on the role of Hurts’ primary target. While Brown is more than capable of stepping up, the Eagles will need a strong complementary effort from their supporting cast, particularly tight ends and running backs, to keep Baltimore’s defense honest.
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Sunday’s showdown is expected to highlight the ground game, with Baltimore’s dynamic duo of quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry posing a significant challenge. On the other side, Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley will look to establish dominance, especially with Smith unavailable. The Eagles’ offensive line will need to be at its best to create opportunities for Barkley and protect Hurts from Baltimore’s aggressive pass rush.
The Eagles’ success in Baltimore may hinge on their ability to control the clock and limit turnovers. Without Smith stretching the field, expect offensive coordinator Brian Johnson to lean heavily on the run game and short passing routes to keep the Ravens’ defense off balance.
Defensively, the Eagles face a unique challenge in containing Jackson, whose dual-threat capabilities make him a constant danger. Philadelphia’s defense, ranked among the league’s best, will need to apply consistent pressure while maintaining discipline in the secondary. The absence of Smith on offense amplifies the importance of a strong defensive performance to keep the game within reach.
Despite the setback of losing Smith, the Eagles enter the matchup with confidence. At 9-2, they sit atop the NFC standings, while the 8-4 Ravens are fighting to stay competitive in a tight AFC race. The “Battle of the Birds” has playoff implications for both teams, making every snap critical.
Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET, with fans eagerly awaiting how the Eagles will adjust without one of their top weapons. If Philadelphia can execute a balanced offensive game plan and their defense holds firm against Baltimore’s multifaceted attack, they’ll remain in prime position to extend their winning streak and solidify their playoff standing.
While Smith’s absence is significant, the Eagles have repeatedly shown their depth and resilience this season. This matchup will test their ability to adapt under pressure, a challenge that could further define their season as they march toward the postseason.
