DeVonta Smith out with MCL sprain: When will Eagles first-rounder return?

A worst-case scenario appears to have been avoided, but Eagles rookie wide receiver DeVonta Smith will miss some time with a knee sprain.

The Philadelphia Eagles got a bit of a scare when DeVonta Smith went down during practice on Saturday. Early indications suggested it was a minor injury, and according to ESPN’s Tim McManus Monday morning the first-round rookie wide receiver is “week to week” with a knee sprain.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added Smith is dealing with a minor MCL sprain, and he should only miss a couple weeks. He may miss most of the preseason but his status for Week 1 does not seem to be in question. The Eagles open Sept. 12 against the Atlanta Falcons.

Smith had over 1,800 yards and 23 touchdowns for Alabama last year, as he won the Heisman Trophy and became a top-10 pick in April’s draft. Much has been made of his slender frame (170 pounds) as a cause for durability concerns, but the Eagles have hopes he can be their much-needed No.1 wide receiver immediately.

DeVonta Smith seems likely to miss the preseason

The Eagles will play their first preseason game Aug. 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In terms of getting valuable reps with quarterback Jalen Hurts before the regular season starts, Smith and Hurts played two seasons together at Alabama and have had that familiarity as a starting point. Smith spoke about the connection with Hurts at his football camp last month.

“It’s great to have that connection come back. It just feels like old times. Like back in college”

Smith seems to have avoided a serious injury, which would’ve obviously derailed his rookie season before it even started. The Eagles will exercise plenty of caution with their top rookie though, and Smith may very well sit out all three preseason games with that in mind. But as long as he’s good to go for the season opener, this injury will become a forgotten footnote rather quickly.