Eagles' DeVonta Smith upgraded to limited participant; Saquon Barkley remains sidelined
There is optimism DeVonta Smith could play Sunday against the Panthers, while Saquon Barkley has still not returned to practice as Philadelphia prepares with Jalen Hurts ruled out
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The Eagles' receiving corps got a sliver of positive news Thursday, with DeVonta Smith upgraded to a limited participant in practice after two straight DNPs to open the week.
Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo): #Eagles WR DeVonta Smith upgraded to limited participant. Still hearing optimism he’ll play Sunday. We’ll see. Saquon Barkley remains sidelined.
Smith's upgrade comes on a day when the Eagles officially ruled out quarterback Jalen Hurts for Sunday's game against the Panthers after the team confirmed a superficial blood clot issue. Saquon Barkley, meanwhile, has now missed four consecutive practices — Wednesday, Thursday, and both sessions last week before the bye — and his status for the Panthers game is increasingly uncertain.
The Eagles (2-3) have leaned heavily on their passing attack this season, and facing the Panthers without Hurts, Barkley and potentially Smith would leave the offense in a precarious spot. Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett would get another start, though Philadelphia signed running back Ian Wheeler to the practice squad Thursday for additional backfield depth.