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By Nathan Kamal
Contributing Sports Writer
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Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who has been sidelined for the past two games due to a hamstring injury, told reporters he's ready to return, saying, "Count me in" for Sunday's matchup against the Panthers.
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DeVonta Smith has been sidelined since Week 11 due to a persistent hamstring injury, but after practicing fully all week, it looks like he's ready to return for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
This matchup against a struggling Panthers secondary could provide a strong opportunity for Smith's comeback. Assuming no setbacks, he should be viewed as a reliable WR for Week 14.
Smith had been dealing with the hamstring issue for several weeks and was listed as questionable on the Eagles' final injury report. After missing Wednesday practice last week and being limited on Thursday and Friday, he was ultimately ruled out for the team's game against the Baltimore Ravens.
NFL Insider Mike Garafolo reported that Smith was eager to play against Baltimore, saying, "It was never my decision," but added that he's now "ready to roll" against the Panthers and is excited to be back on the field."
Smith had an illustrious college career at Alabama, where he became one of the program's most decorated wide receivers. In 2020, he made history by winning the Heisman Trophy, the first wide receiver to do so in over two decades. Smith played a crucial role in Alabama's national championship run that year, delivering a record-breaking performance in the title game.
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Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Smith wasted no time making an impact. In his rookie season, he totaled 64 receptions for 916 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Over his first three seasons, Smith set franchise records for both receptions (240) and receiving yards (3,178). In 2022, he reached another milestone, posting the third-highest single-season reception total in Eagles history with 95 catches.
Smith is now just 61 yards away from breaking Harold Carmichael's record for the most receiving yards in Eagles playoff history. Since 2022, he has joined an exclusive club of only seven NFL receivers to surpass 175 receptions, 2,500 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns, further cementing his status as one of the league's elite playmakers.
If Smith is indeed ready to play against the Panthers this weekend, it could be a huge boost the Eagles could use late in the season.
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