After missing the past two games due to a hamstring injury, DeVonta Smith, aka “Skinny Batman,” is poised to make his return to the field for the Philadelphia Eagles. On Wednesday, Smith was a full participant in practice, signaling that his recovery is progressing well. This is great news for the Eagles as they prepare to host the struggling 3-9 Carolina Panthers in Week 14.
Smith’s return couldn’t come at a better time. The Eagles have been riding high on an eight-game win streak and are eyeing a playoff push, but their offense has been hampered by injuries in recent weeks. In Smith’s absence, the team has leaned more heavily on star wide receiver A.J. Brown, but now, with Smith back in the fold, the Eagles can spread the field more effectively, giving quarterback Jalen Hurts another weapon to work with.
Despite missing three games this season, Smith has had a solid campaign. The Alabama product has caught 48 passes for 516 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 57.3 yards per game. While a third consecutive 1,000-yard season is now a long shot, there are still plenty of opportunities left on the schedule, with some bad defenses ahead. A breakout game against the Panthers this week could reignite Smith’s push for that milestone, even though it would take a lot to make up for the lost time.
Dallas Goedert’s Absence Looms Large
While Smith’s return is a significant boost, the Eagles are still uncertain about the status of tight end Dallas Goedert, who remains week-to-week after suffering a knee injury against the Baltimore Ravens. Goedert’s absence creates a hole in the middle of the field and the running game, as he is one of the best tight ends in the NFL and a key part of the Eagles’ offensive scheme.
Head coach Nick Sirianni spoke about Goedert’s uncertain status, acknowledging the challenge his team faces without him. “We’ll see on Dallas as the week continues on,” Sirianni said. “But in terms of C.J. Uzomah, what a great teammate he is. He’s been a glue guy for this team, and he’s done some nice things when given opportunities.”
Uzomah, who was signed in the offseason as a veteran presence, has not made a huge impact on the field in terms of statistics, but he has been praised for his leadership and his ability to step up when needed. Sirianni noted that Uzomah has made some key plays on special teams and has contributed in blocking, which could become critical if Goedert is unable to go in Week 14.
While Uzomah’s veteran presence will be important, the responsibility of filling Goedert’s role as the starting tight end likely falls to second-year player Grant Calcaterra. If Goedert remains sidelined, Calcaterra will be tasked with handling the bulk of the snaps at tight end in passing and blocking situations. The Eagles may also lean on heavy packages, where Uzomah could be deployed alongside Calcaterra and rookie E.J. Jenkins.
Avoiding a Trap Game Against the Panthers
As the Eagles prepare for Week 14, their eyes are on the bigger picture, but they cannot afford to overlook the Panthers. Although Carolina has struggled this season with a 3-9 record, rookie quarterback Bryce Young has shown flashes of potential, and the Panthers’ defense is no slouch. The Eagles must avoid treating this matchup like a mere walkthrough and stay focused, especially with potential injuries still lingering.
It’s a game where the Eagles will need to rely on every available player, and Smith’s return should help provide some balance to the offense. With Goedert’s status still uncertain, having a full-strength Smith on the field could help ease the loss of the star tight end.
For the Eagles, it’s all about maintaining their momentum and securing another win as they march toward the playoffs. With a banged-up roster, it’s crucial for players like Smith to stay healthy and contribute to what has been a potent offense. As they face off against the Panthers in Week 14, look for the Eagles to come out firing on all cylinders, ready to take advantage of every opportunity—especially with “Skinny Batman” back in the lineup.
