It seemed like a relatively informative day in Foxborough, Massachusetts. DeVonta Smith took another step forward. He has been working his way back from a hamstring injury throughout Philadelphia Eagles training camp.
Fortunately, positive updates have arrived in recent weeks, and on Wednesday, during the team's first joint practice with the New England Patriots , Smith returned to the field in a limited capacity.
While Eagles fans are eager to see the former Heisman Trophy winner back at full strength, his absence has created opportunities for several other receivers to step into larger roles. If there's been a silver lining to Smith's injury and the hamstring issue that has sidelined rookie Makai Lemon , that would be it. Players such as Darius Cooper, Dontayvion Wicks, and Elijah Moore have received additional opportunities to showcase their abilities.
Following Wednesday's practice, Smith was among the Eagles who spoke with the media and didn't hesitate to offer praise. Asked about what he has seen from a guy Sean Mannion handpicked to join the roster, the unquestioned leader of the wide receiver corps was more vocal than usual.
"[I saw] the guy that I've always seen him as. [He goes] out there and wins a lot of one on ones. [I saw] the fight that he has in him when he's going in there. He's blocking and things like that. Tremendous leader... A guy that wants to be the best version of himself."
The comments are notable because Wicks has quietly strengthened his standing throughout camp. The former Green Bay Packers receiver has consistently flashed in one-on-one situations while demonstrating the physicality and effort coaches demand from receivers in the run game.
Smith was equally complimentary when discussing Moore.
"It's been great [watching him]. I've always been a big fan of Elijah's, even coming out of college [and] playing him against him, seeing him and the way that he plays. I've always been a big fan. It's fun that he's here. We just talk about the journey and things like that. He's been doing a great job. Everything that he's doing, I respect it."
Smith's admiration dates back to Moore's days with the Ole Miss Rebels , where he earned First-Team All-SEC honors, Consensus All-American recognition, and the Conerly Trophy. The latter is an award given annually to the best football player in Mississippi. He was drafted 24 spots behind Smith as the 34th overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The praise carries different implications for each player. Wicks appears well-positioned to secure a roster spot, while Moore remains locked in a crowded competition for what could be one of the final receiver jobs, but that only seems factual if Philadelphia elects to keep six wide receivers on the initial 53-man roster.
Smith, Wicks, Marquise Brown, Makai Lemon, and Darius Cooper all appear to have stronger footing on the depth chart. That means Moore is potentially battling to keep Johnny Wilson, Britain Covey, Danny Gray, Quez Watkins, Erik Ezukanma, and Samori Toure at bay.
Still, endorsements from a player of Smith's stature aren't handed out lightly. As roster decisions approach, Moore's strongest argument may be that the Eagles' top receiver sees exactly what made him a coveted prospect in the first place, while Wicks continues to validate why Philadelphia wanted him in the building in the first place.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: DeVonta Smith offers strong endorsements of Dontayvion Wicks, Elijah Moore
