Eagles rookie Ainias Smith's 2024 season reportedly in 'some' doubt due to injury
Philadelphia Eagles rookie running back Ainias Smith could miss the start of the 2024 NFL season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Rapoport reported on Monday afternoon that Smith had discomfort in both his ankle and hamstring following Saturday's Week 3 preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. "Eagles rookie WR Ainias Smith reported discomfort in his […]
Philadelphia Eagles rookie running back Ainias Smith could miss the start of the 2024 NFL season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Rapoport reported on Monday afternoon that Smith had discomfort in both his ankle and hamstring following Saturday's Week 3 preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings.
"Eagles rookie WR Ainias Smith reported discomfort in his ankle and hamstring after completing Saturday’s game, sources say," Rapoport wrote on X/Twitter. "The fifth-rounder is getting an MRI and his availability for the start of the season is in some doubt."
Smith did not have the best offseason, but he did shine in the Eagles' final two preseason matchups which may have been enough for him to earn a roster spot.
For now, the Eagles will await his MRI results and decide if they want to place him on injured reserve before the cutdown deadline on Tuesday or send him to IR for the entire season.
These are new injuries for Ainias and add to one he had already been dealing with at the start of spring training when he was sidelined with a stress fracture in his left shin he suffered at the NFL Combine.
The injuries could help explain why he struggled so much through camp and the preseason games.
When the Eagles selected Smith in the fifth round out of Texas A&M in April's draft, they saw him as someone who could bring plenty of versatility to Philly with his ability to play running back and return punts and kicks.
Before entering the draft, Smith shined in his last season with the Aggies, hauling in 53 catches for 795 yards and two touchdowns while also running for 21 yards on five carries, and averaging 14.3 yards per punt return on 20 attempts.
3 Philadelphia Eagles rookies set for a nice season after a great preseason
2024 is going to be fun!
