Who Should I Start? Cam Akers or DeVonta Smith

Thursday, September 24, 3:10 PM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) did not practice on Thursday due to a hamstring injury, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. It was just the first practice of the week for the Eagles, who do not play until Monday night against the Chicago Bears in Week 3, but Smith's status must now be closely monitored over the next two days. The 27-year-old is a must-start in fantasy football when he is active, especially now that A.J. Brown is no longer in town. He came out of the gate slow in the Week 1 win over the division-rival Washington Commanders, catching three of six targets for 53 yards, but he blew up in Sunday's victory over the Tennessee Titans, catching 10 of 13 targets for 117 yards and his first touchdown of the 2026 season. If Smith's hamstring injury is serious enough to keep him from playing on Monday night, Dontayvion Wicks would become a must-start in fantasy lineups with tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) expected to miss multiple weeks with a knee injury he suffered in Week 2. Rookie first-rounder Makai Lemon could also get much more involved in the passing attack if Smith is inactive in Week 3.