DeVonta Smith injury: Latest on star Eagles WR’s status for Week 4 vs. Buccaneers

Ryan OLeary

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DeVonta Smith injury: Latest on star Eagles WR’s status for Week 4 vs. Buccaneers image

Star Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith, currently working through the NFL’s concussion protocol, has been officially ruled out for Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Smith was unable to practice this week as he works through the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol. He was injured following a vicious hit by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khristian Boyd. Smith was already wrapped up by multiple Saints defenders, and heading back towards the line of scrimmage, when Boyd entered the play late and leveled the 170-pound receiver with a helmet-to-helmet blow, dislodging Smith’s helmet.

There was no personal foul penalty on the play, to the chagrin of Eagles players.

The Eagles did get No. 1 wide receiver A.J. Brown back on the practice field on Friday. Brown is officially questionable for Sunday after missing the Eagles previous two games with a hamstring injury.

With Britain Covey placed on injured reserve with a broken scapula, the Eagles could be down to newcomers Jahan Dotson, Parris Campbell and rookie Johnny Wilson at wide receiver against the Buccaneers in Week 4, if Brown is unable to suit up.

How long does the NFL concussion protocol last?

Players have to go through several steps before they can be medically cleared to play. Since each phase can take a different amount of time, depending on the severity of the concussion, the timeline can differ wildly based on the player.

Here are the steps players have to take to leave the concussion protocol:

Symptom limited activity

In this phase, players are asked not to engage in much activity. They are supposed to rest during this period and limit anything that could aggravate their symptoms. Eventually, players will be allowed to do limited stretching and light aerobic exercises, so long as team training staff is supervising.

Aerobic exercise

Players will start to work on cardio exercises along with stretching and training, with team medical staff supervising. After this phase, players can start working on balance testing.

Football-specific exercise

In the third stage, players can take part in football-specific exercises and start working with the team for up to 30 minutes under supervision. Players are also able to increase their cardio workloads.

Club-based non-contact training drills

Players reaching the fourth stage are able to start throwing, catching and running, and can engage in activities more specific to their position. They also can continue to ramp up their exercise and training. By the end of this phase, players have to have undergone neurocognitive and balance testing.

Full football activity/clearance

The player has to be cleared by both the club physician and the independent neurological consultant to return to full activity.

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Ryan OLeary

Ryan OLeary Photo

Ryan O'Leary has spent his entire professional career in sports multimedia, working as journalist, editor, podcaster, and in live events as a content manager and show emcee. His career highlights include working as a podcast host and audio editor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, where he led a series of NFL podcasts for the company’s top-performing NFL sites. A born and raised New Englander, Ryan’s career kicked-off in newspapers after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in journalism. He developed an affinity for small-town youth, high school and college sports, while also realizing his childhood dream of covering the Patriots in multiple AFC Championship Games. Ryan enjoys kicking it with family and friends, beating his dad and brother in chess, and arguing with anyone crazy enough to insist that Tom Brady isn’t the GOAT.