The Philadelphia Eagles have to tweak their formula from last year. An excellently executed game plan paved the way for a dominant regular season, culminating with a blowout against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59. However, Saquon Barkley isn’t likely to break the all-time single-season rushing record again next year. Additionally, the defense went through a myriad of changes during the offseason.
With key names like C.J. Gardner-Johnson out of the lineup, the team might have to find new ways to victory. An improvement in the passing game would be the ideal way to replicate that production. However, an injury to star wide receiver DeVonta Smith has seriously jeopardized those plans. As a result of the injury, his status for Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys is also a serious doubt in the Eagles fanbase’s mind.
What Happened to DeVonta Smith?
A first-round pick in 2021, Smith has been consistently productive for Philadelphia, forming a lethal duo at the wide receiver spot alongside A.J. Brown. But his production took a major downturn last season as the Eagles shifted to a run-centric offense.
For the first time in his career, Smith failed to cross the 900-yard mark, finishing the year with 833 yards and eight touchdowns. While he didn’t publicly air any grievances, the former national champion has to be hoping for a bounce-back season.
Those aspirations hit severely when a groin injury loomed over his offseason. It limited his participation in training camp as well as the preseason. While the injury itself seemed like a minor deal, Smith also missed four games in 2024.
As a result, Philly was willing to exercise caution in his recovery process. But will that caution affect his status for the start of the regular season against the Cowboys?
Will Smith Play Against the Cowboys?
After missing the final preseason game against the New York Jets, it was anyone’s guess whether Smith would suit up against Dallas. However, in typical Eagles fashion, the franchise has distinctly different preseason and regular season standards.
Good news on Eagles injury front with A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and (somehow) Landon Dickerson all participating in practice today. pic.twitter.com/lDuvut5MMH
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) August 27, 2025
After participating in practice on consecutive days fully, Smith is expected to be part of the offensive unit that starts against the Cowboys in Lincoln Financial Field on the first Thursday Night action of the 2025 season.
He was noticeably absent on the latest injury report, essentially confirming his status against the Cowboys.
