The Philadelphia Eagles are riding high on a six-game winning streak, and their offense has been a key driver of that success. However, as they prepare for a prime-time showdown against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football, the Eagles will be without one of their star receivers. DeVonta Smith, who has been dealing with an injury, was ruled out for Week 12, raising questions about the team’s offense and who will step up in his absence.
Smith’s Recent Struggles and the Injury
While the Eagles have been dominant in their victories over the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders, Smith’s production has taken a noticeable dip. Over the past two games, Smith has had just six receptions for 43 yards and no touchdowns on nine targets, a stark contrast to his usual role as a key part of the Eagles’ high-powered offense.
Smith’s lack of participation in practice this week further signals that something isn’t right. He missed both Wednesday and Thursday’s practice sessions, and despite coach Nick Sirianni’s hopes for improvement, Smith did not practice on Friday. As a result, the Eagles made the decision to officially rule him out for the Week 12 matchup.
Smith, in his fourth season with the Eagles, has been one of the most reliable receivers in the league. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner has consistently been a top target for quarterback Jalen Hurts. However, this will only be the third game he has missed in his entire career, a testament to his durability despite his 6-foot, 170-pound frame.
The Eagles’ Potential WR Solution: Rookie Johnny Wilson?
With Smith sidelined, the Eagles are left to consider how they will fill the void in their receiving corps. While A.J. Brown has continued to be the focal point of the offense, Smith’s absence places even more pressure on the Eagles to find a reliable third receiving option.
One possible solution could be turning to rookie wide receiver Johnny Wilson, who has yet to see much action in 2024. The 6-foot-7 Wilson, drafted in the sixth round (No. 185 overall) in April, has played sparingly so far, registering just two receptions for 14 yards and one touchdown on seven targets. Given the Eagles’ struggles to find a consistent third option behind Brown and Smith, now could be the perfect time to increase Wilson’s involvement in the offense.
Wilson, who transferred to Florida State after two seasons at Arizona State, was a standout in college, earning two All-ACC selections. In his final two collegiate seasons, Wilson racked up 84 receptions for 1,514 yards and seven touchdowns despite missing three games due to injury. His size and ability to make plays downfield make him a tantalizing prospect for the Eagles’ offense, and Sunday could provide him with an opportunity to showcase his skills on a national stage.
A Lack of Production from Jahan Dotson
Another potential option for the Eagles is former first-round pick Jahan Dotson, whom they acquired from the Washington Commanders in a trade before the season. However, Dotson has struggled to find his rhythm in Philadelphia. With just nine receptions for 106 yards and no touchdowns in 10 games, his production has been below expectations, even compared to his less-than-stellar seasons with Washington.
Dotson’s struggles could be why the Eagles may look to Wilson, who offers a different skill set. While Dotson is more of a traditional slot receiver, Wilson’s size and ability to win contested catches downfield could provide Hurts with a valuable red zone target and a potential weapon in the passing game.
The Eagles’ Playoff Push
Despite Smith’s absence, the Eagles are in excellent shape as they head into Week 12 with an 8-2 record. They’re still very much in the hunt for the NFC’s top seed and the coveted playoff bye, so every game counts. The Eagles will need to adjust to the loss of Smith, but with a strong supporting cast, including Brown, tight end Dallas Goedert, and a solid offensive line, they have enough firepower to keep their winning streak intact.
In the absence of Smith, Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni will need to adjust their game plan to account for the missing piece. It will also be a crucial test for players like Wilson to show they can step up when the opportunity arises. If Wilson can provide a spark, it might not only help the Eagles weather Smith’s injury but also strengthen their offense heading into the postseason.
As Sunday’s prime-time game against the Rams approaches, all eyes will be on Philadelphia’s receiving corps, and especially on how Johnny Wilson takes advantage of the opportunity. If he can produce, he could become a key asset for the Eagles as they look to make a deep playoff run.
