The Eagles activated rookie receiver Ainias Smith from Injured Reserve on Saturday afternoon, filling the open spot on their 53-man roster ahead of Sunday’s game against the Bengals.
This move follows the Eagles placing defensive tackle Byron Young on IR with a hamstring injury on Friday, creating a roster vacancy.
Smith, who started the season on IR due to an ankle injury sustained near the end of training camp, had his 21-day practice window opened on Oct. 7. The Eagles needed to decide whether to activate him or shut him down for the season, ultimately choosing to add him to the active roster.
Drafted in the fifth round out of Texas A&M, Smith faced early challenges, dealing with a stress fracture in the spring and a rocky beginning in training camp. Though he might not have initially secured a roster spot based on performance, Smith’s progress late in the summer led to his placement on IR rather than outright release.
Now the fifth receiver behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, and Johnny Wilson, Smith also brings potential as a punt returner, giving the Eagles flexibility if they decide to reduce Cooper DeJean’s reps on return plays. When Britain Covey returns from IR, the Eagles will need to reassess the roster.
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