Saquon Barkley And DeVonta Smith Cleared, But Eagles Lose Key Weapon Before Bears Game

· Yahoo Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles received some good injury news after a difficult week for the offense. Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith have been cleared to play Monday night against Chicago, giving Jalen Hurts two of his main weapons.

The good news came with a late setback. Philadelphia’s veteran speed receiver will miss the game because of an ankle injury after sitting out practice, according to Adam Schefter’s latest report. The NFL injury report also lists him as a non-participant.

Visit somethingsdifferent.biz for more information.

Eagles Get Saquon Barkley And DeVonta Smith Back

Barkley entered the week dealing with a stinger after being hurt on Philadelphia’s first offensive play in its 24-20 win at Tennessee. He finished the game with four carries for nine yards, so his return gives the offense back its leading running back.

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Smith had a much bigger role in Nashville. He caught 10 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown, including four receptions on Philadelphia’s final scoring drive. His production helped the Eagles complete the comeback.


Both players returned to practice later in the week and were removed from the final injury report. That gives Hurts back two players who have already made a major impact through the first two games.

Eagles Still Lose an Important Piece

The late absence matters because Philadelphia moved on from A.J. Brown during the offseason, making Smith the clear No. 1 receiver. The club then added the veteran speed receiver as part of a reshaped group that also includes rookie first-round pick Makai Lemon and Dontayvion Wicks.

Sep 20, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Hollywood Brown (0) makes a catch during pre-game warmups against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

The missing receiver has not produced much through the first two games. He did not play an offensive snap in Week 1 and recorded two rushing attempts for 12 yards against Tennessee. He has no receptions or targets this season.

That limited production does not make his absence meaningless. Philadelphia signed him because of his speed, and offensive coordinator Sean Mannion has discussed moving receivers around to make use of their different skills. Losing one of those options gives the offense less flexibility.

The Eagles will also be without Dallas Goedert because of a knee injury, while several defensive players remain limited. Those injuries leave Philadelphia short-handed despite the return of Barkley and Smith.

Jan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates alongside wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) after his touchdown run during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Philadelphia enters Monday night’s game with a 2-0 record. Barkley has 92 rushing yards through two games, while Smith leads the team with 13 catches for 170 yards and one touchdown.

The numbers show how important both players are to the offense. Barkley and Smith are ready to face Chicago, but another Eagles weapon will be unavailable.

More NFL News:

 

The post Saquon Barkley And DeVonta Smith Cleared, But Eagles Lose Key Weapon Before Bears Game appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.

Read full story at source