DeVonta Smith is heading into Week 13 against the Chicago Bears dealing with multiple injuries that could impact the Eagles’ offense. The wide receiver did not participate in Tuesday’s team walkthrough due to shoulder and chest issues, leaving the coaching staff to monitor his status closely ahead of the Black Friday matchup at Lincoln Financial Field. His absence adds to the growing list of Philadelphia players battling injuries this week.
Smith was not the only Eagle sidelined during Tuesday’s walkthrough. Defensive end Brandon Graham (groin), right tackle Lane Johnson (foot), safety Andrew Mukuba (ankle), and wide receiver Xavier Gipson (shoulder) all did not participate. Johnson and Mukuba are expected to miss significant time due to the severity of their injuries, further thinning Philadelphia’s roster and complicating game planning for the coaching staff.
Lane Johnson is dealing with a Lisfranc foot injury, a condition that has already kept him off the field for multiple games. Mukuba, on the other hand, is recovering from a fractured ankle sustained earlier in the season. Both absences represent a substantial hit to the Eagles’ offensive line and secondary, forcing the team to adjust rotations and rely on backups in crucial positions.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley also appeared on Tuesday’s injury report with a groin issue. Unlike Johnson and Mukuba, Barkley was listed as a limited participant, indicating he is likely to play but may see a reduced workload. The star back has battled groin injuries at times this season, including a Week 8 game against the New York Giants, but has not missed any contests to date.
Safety Reed Blankenship and left guard Landon Dickerson were also limited participants in the walkthrough. Blankenship suffered a thigh injury in the team’s 24-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, while Dickerson has dealt with lingering knee issues throughout the season following meniscus surgery before training camp. Both players’ participation will be closely monitored leading up to the game.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio provided an update on Blankenship, expressing confidence that the safety will be available for the matchup against the Bears. His return would provide a boost to the secondary, which has already been tested by recent injuries to key players, including Mukuba and Adoree’ Jackson, who is under gameday concussion protocol evaluation.
Other Eagles players participated fully in the walkthrough despite minor injuries. Offensive tackle Myles Hinton (back), cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (concussion protocol evaluation), and guard/center Willie Lampkin (knee/ankle) were all listed as full participants. Their availability will help stabilize the team’s roster and provide depth across multiple positions.
With multiple starters dealing with injuries, the Eagles must navigate the Black Friday game carefully, balancing player health with the need for performance. The status of key contributors like DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and Lane Johnson will play a pivotal role in how Philadelphia approaches both their offensive and defensive strategies against the Chicago Bears.
