Who Should I Start? DeVonta Smith or Jahmyr Gibbs

Tuesday, August 19, 11:41 AM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (groin) will not practice on Tuesday, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The severity of Smith's injury is unclear, but it's a potentially worrying sign for Philadelphia, given that they are also currently without star wideout A.J. Brown (hamstring). The Eagles made a trade to acquire wide receiver John Metchie III from the Houston Texans on Monday, which could indicate that the team is at least somewhat concerned about its depth at the position. If Smith and/or Brown were to miss time, Metchie III and Jahan Dotson would likely be heavily relied upon. Assuming Smith's groin injury is minor, he profiles as a high-end WR3 whose value would skyrocket if Brown were to remain sidelined for a significant stretch.

Tuesday, July 29, 6:30 PM

The Athletic's Colton Pouncy points out that "one thing that's been clear as these practices have unfolded is that Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is usually the first back on the field with the starters." In past years, David Montgomery would often get the bulk of the first carries of the game before we'd see Gibbs. Pouncy cautions that it could be nothing to read into, but there was a clear pecking order that often translated to games. With Montgomery injured last year, Gibbs couldn't be stopped, totaling 487 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns in the final three games of the regular season. It's now Year 3 for Gibbs, and the Lions have been open about using more two-back sets with both Gibbs and Monty. In addition to being used out of the backfield, Gibbs has also lined up at receiver with Montgomery on the field. It looks like the Lions want Gibbs on the field as much as possible in 2025.