The depleted Philadelphia Eagles suffered another injury blow in their NFL game at the New Orleans Saints on Sunday when DeVonta Smith appeared to be knocked out by a helmet-to-helmet hit during the fourth quarter.
A timeout was called with wide receiver Smith motionless on the floor, having made a catch and been surrounded by defenders.
The 25-year-old was taken to the medical tent before returning to the locker room and being ruled out for the rest of week three.
Direct helmet to helmet late hit on DeVonta Smith which left him down on the field motionless. No flag on the play.
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) September 22, 2024
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DeVonta Smith injury
There was an encouraging sign for Smith’s fans and team-mates when he reportedly walked off while waving his arms to supporters.
Smith’s plight was part of an injury-strewn evening for his side, who had already lost two of their players, including one to concussion.
Right tackle Lane Johnson was being evaluated after taking a heavy blow, with Fred Johnson taking his place during the first half.
Right guard Mekhi Becton was also forced out with an injury to one of his fingers on his left hand, supplanted by Tyler Steen.
Star wide receiver AJ Brown was not involved at all with a hamstring injury that also kept him out of their 22-21 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday.
.@saquon Blew Bayou 😏 pic.twitter.com/8b91mBwEDe
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 22, 2024
Saints vs Eagles result
Despite his lengthening absentee list, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni did have the satisfaction of watching his team come back to win during the closing quarter.
The Saints won the first quarter 3-0 and the score remained the same until the fourth, when the Eagles turned the scoreline around to win 15-12.
Saquon Barkley scored two touchdowns, the first as part of a 65-yard run with Jake Elliott adding an extra point.
New Orleans sustained their first defeat of the campaign, having previously beaten the Dallas Cowboys 44-19 and the Carolina Panthers 47-10.