The Eagles just announced that rookie wide receiver Ainias Smith will return to practice after the team opened his 21-day practice window.
Smith was placed on injured reserve after consulting with team physicians.
A player clearly on the roster bubble before his injury, Smith missed about five and a half weeks, protecting the former Texas A&M star from potentially being waived and claimed by another team.
We are opening the practice windows for S Sydney Brown (Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform) and WR Ainias Smith (Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return). pic.twitter.com/NeRhLScDXU
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 7, 2024
Smith caught six of nine targets for 36 yards in the Eagles’ 26-3 preseason loss to the Vikings. He also returned one punt for 14 yards.
The 2024 fifth-round pick should push for slot reps on offense and the punt returner role on special teams for the Eagles in the future, but his present-day scenario will involve learning the NFL game.
