Things are looking tight in the NFC East Division right now. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders are both sitting pretty at 2-1. The game tomorrow against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be an excellent opportunity for them to lock themselves in at the top of the table. Of course, that’s easier said than done, with the injuries they’ve been battling.

In an unpleasant news for the Eagles, DeVonta Smith has been officially ruled out for Sunday with a concussion. He’s had to sit out of practice since Wednesday, and it’s for the best. Smith sustained the injury during the New Orleans Saints game last Sunday. Saints’ rookie defensive tackle Khristian Boyd, at 6’2″, 325 lb, has made just one tackle in his three games so far. Perhaps it’s the hunger to perform in his rookie year that brought him barreling into Smith, who was defenseless at the time. He knocked his helmet clean off, resulting in an eventual concussion.

The highly controversial move didn’t draw any penalties mid-game, but it has cost Boyd a fine. Since players can only be fined up to 10% of their salary cap per week, Boyd only had to cough up $4600. This is DeVonta Smith’s first concussion on record, though he’s had his fair share of other injuries before.

But DeVonta Smith, being ruled out for the Buccaneers game, is going to spell trouble for Iggles, especially with their other wide receiver, A.J. Brown, also out of the picture with a hamstring injury the last two weeks. Brown did get the chance to practice this Friday, but he’s still being marked “questionable” for the Bucs’ game. With two wide receivers out for the count, the Eagles will be calling up rookie replacements, or perhaps a blast from the past. It’ll certainly make for an interesting combination.

Who’s stepping in as wide receiver tomorrow?

The Philadelphia Eagles have a few options to play with. There’s two untested rookies, of course. First-round pick Quinyon Mitchell, and sixth-round pick Johnny Wilson. They’re both gifted athletes, with Mitchell managing a 4.33s 40-yard dash, and Wilson 4.52. Wilson’s bigger though, both taller and heavier.

On the other hand, there’s John Ross, a former first draft pick way back in 2017. His talent is since been mismanaged, and he never really lived up to his potential. The 28-year-old hasn’t played a game since 2021, but he’s on the Eagles practice squad. His injury laden career has kept him from rising to the heights people thought he would. Might it be time for that to change? It’ll depend on the team management, come gametime.

Regardless, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be keen to take advantage of the hole in the Eagles’ offense.

If you’re keen on keeping up with the latest movers and shakers in the NFL this season, be sure to check out our Think Tank Exclusive, featuring Doug Sanders