Is DeVonta Smith playing today? Latest on Eagles WR ahead of Week 17 clash vs Cowboys

The Philadelphia Eagles' hopes of clinching the NFC East title remain alive as they prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith, sparked brief concern when he was listed as DNP (Did Not Practice) on Wednesday with a back injury.

However, Eagles fans can breathe easy. Smith returned to full practice on Thursday, confirming his availability for Sunday's crucial divisional matchup. The rest designation paired with his back injury proved to be precautionary, as the Eagles gave several veterans Wednesday off.

DeVonta Smith's presence becomes even more critical with backup quarterback Kenny Pickett stepping in after Jalen Hurts was ruled out with a concussion. The timing couldn't be more pivotal as Smith looks to bounce back from a rare dropped pass that proved costly in last week's 36-33 loss to the Commanders.

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles - Source: Imagn

"That's part of the game," DeVonta Smith said Friday, addressing the drop. "The game's gonna come with ups and downs. You can't let something like that get you down, you can't let something like that affect how you go about your business and things like that. The minute that happened, I was over it."

The dropped pass, uncharacteristic for the sure-handed receiver, prevented the Eagles from sealing both the win and the division title. Washington capitalized on the opportunity, scoring a touchdown with just six seconds remaining.

DeVonta Smith and the rest of the receiving corps face pressure with backup QB

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles - Source: Imagn

With Pickett under center, the spotlight intensifies on Smith and fellow receiver A.J. Brown to maintain their high-level production. The Eagles' passing game has heavily relied on this duo, particularly in recent weeks. Over the last five games, Brown and DeVonta Smith have combined for 622 receiving yards, while no other Eagle has surpassed 66 yards.

"Just go out there and make the plays," Smith emphasized. "I think the more we make plays in the receiver room, the more comfortable he's going to be."

The Eagles stand as one of only five NFL teams with just two players recording 50+ targets this season. Smith has garnered 82 targets across 12 games, highlighting his importance to Philadelphia's aerial attack.

Brown added his perspective on working with Pickett;

"For sure, I think everybody takes on that responsibility (of being on their 'A' game) as a whole, as an offense. (Pickett) doesn't just have to lean on me. He has to lean on all the guys. So, we're definitely trying to get him up to speed, make sure he's as comfortable as possible."

As the Eagles aim to secure their division title against Dallas, DeVonta Smith's proven reliability and quick-recovery mindset could prove decisive.