The Philadelphia Eagles are guaranteed a game next week following the NFL regular-season finale.
As a result, the Eagles went into their final game against the Washington Commanders with the idea of resting most of their key starters.
One obvious resting candidate is the star wide receiver DeVonta Smith. However, the Eagles are reportedly allowing the veteran wideout to take the field for the finale.
Via @JDumasReports: I’m told Devonta Smith will play today. He is 44 yards short of 1,000 yards on the season.
Smith, 27, has been one of the Eagles’ most consistent players since he joined the organization in 2021.
At the time, Smith wrapped up his run at Alabama and was selected 10th overall. He was an immediate starter for the Eagles and nearly notched 1,000 yards in his first year.
By year two, Smith caught 95 passes for 1,196 yards and seven touchdowns. He followed up with similar success in 2023, catching 81 passes for 1,066 yards and seven touchdowns.
Last season, Smith didn’t achieve 1,000 yards, but he reached the end zone for a career-high eight touchdowns. During the Eagles’ Super Bowl run, Smith racked up an additional 190 yards. His lone postseason touchdown occurred in the Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Despite the Eagles’ glaring offensive issues this year, they could end up with two receivers exceeding 1,000 yards on the season. AJ Brown achieved that feat last week against the Buffalo Bills.
Smith enters the 2025 NFL season finale with 74 catches, 956 yards, and four touchdowns. As long as Smith can get his third 1K year while staying healthy, the Eagles’ gamble will pay off on Sunday against the Commanders.