After spending last week with the New England Patriots, the Philadelphia Eagles will prepare for their final preseason game, playing against each other.
Fortunately, the Eagles’ offense is expected to get a major boost with DeVonta Smith suiting back up.
5-Year NFL Star Gets Good News Before Eagles’ Preseason Finale
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 11: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball after a catch against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
“Eagles receivers DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon are expected to return to practice this coming week, 3 weeks after suffering hamstring injuries, according to Mike Quick on our NBC10 Eagles postgame show last night,” NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark posted on X on August 23.
The Eagles are set to return to practice on Monday, August 24, after getting the day off on Sunday. While Smith isn’t guaranteed to suit up and practice right away at the top of the week, he seems to be trending in the right direction at the right time.
GettyLANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 20: Devonta Smith #6 of the Philadelphia Eagles catches a pass for a touchdown in the first quarter at Northwest Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The last thing the Eagles want to do is rush Smith out on the field to make his season debut in Week 1 against the Washington Commanders.
Returning to practice this week gives him around two weeks to continue recovering while ramping up the action before the Eagles are all systems go.
Big Season Ahead For DeVonta Smith
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 27: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles talks to DeVonta Smith #6 during OTA offseason workouts at Jefferson Health Training Complex on May 27, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
For the first time since his rookie effort, Smith is viewed as Jalen Hurts’ No. 1 target.
Back in June, the Eagles traded AJ Brown to the New England Patriots at the All-Pro’s request. Smith instantly moved up the depth chart, while the Eagles have spent the summer looking for their DeVonta replacement at No. 2.
Throughout the offseason, the offense has received its fair share of skepticism from reporters seeing the action every day. Every negative take comes with a grain of salt, mostly due to the lack of DeVonta Smith in the passing game. Soon, the Eagles should get a better look at their top target as Smith gets healthy again.