NFL Week 13 Injury Report: Big Names Return While Others Sit
The NFL Week 13 slate promises intriguing matchups, but as always, injuries will play a pivotal role. Several key players are battling ailments, impacting team strategies and fan expectations. Here’s a look at some of the notable names on the injury report:
Eagles’ Smith Set to Return; Others on the Sidelines
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith will be in the starting lineup Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Smith missed the last two games recovering from a hamstring injury. “I will be in the starting lineup,” Smith informed reporters.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Smith was eager to return to action last week against the Ravens but the decision was ultimately out of his hands. “Wasn’t his decision,” Garafolo stated.
Smith’s return is a boost for the Eagles, who are riding an impressive eight-game winning streak. The impressive wideout has 41 catches for 516 yards and four touchdowns in nine games this season.
Despite Smith’s return, the Eagles will be missing tight end Dallas Goedert, safety Reed Blankenship, and Canadian safety Sydney Brown for Sunday’s matchup.
49ers Eyeing Greenlaw’s Return in Week 15
The San Francisco 49ers have some encouraging news on the horizon. The team is targeting a Week 15 return for star linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Greenlaw hasn’t played this season after tearing his Achilles tendon during Super Bowl LVII against the Kansas City Chiefs.
His return, slated for December 12 against the Los Angeles Rams, would be a significant boost for the 49ers’ defense.
Hopeful Signs for the Bears Offense
There’s some optimism brewing in Chicago. Both running back D’Andre Swift and wide receiver DJ Moore returned to practice on Friday, giving the Chicago Bears hope they could suit up Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.
Both players are currently listed as questionable for the game.
Moore has been a consistent target for the Bears this season, with 62 catches for 663 yards and five touchdowns. Swift has accumulated 704 yards and five touchdowns on 179 carries in 12 games.
Vikings’ Gilmore to Miss Falcons Matchup
In a setback for the Minnesota Vikings defense, cornerback Stephon Gilmore will not play Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed the news after Gilmore missed all practices this week with a hamstring injury.
Gilmore’s absence will be felt. He’s been a key contributor for the Vikings this season, recording seven pass deflections and an interception in the first 12 games.
Why did the Eagles decide to hold DeVonta Smith out for an extra week despite his reported readiness to play?
## Back on the Field: DeVonta Smith Returns
**Host:** Well, Week 13 of the NFL season promises some exciting matchups, but as always, injuries are a major factor. Joining us today to discuss this week’s key injury updates is Alex Reed, our resident NFL analyst. Welcome to the show!
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me! It’s always a rollercoaster around this time of year with key players battling injuries and teams trying to stay healthy for a playoff push.
**Host:** Absolutely. We’re hearing some big news out of Philly. DeVonta Smith is back in action this week for the Eagles. He missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. How significant is this return for Philadelphia?
**Alex Reed:** It’s huge, really. Smith is a crucial part of the Eagles’ offense, and his connection with Jalen Hurts is undeniable. As we saw in those last two games, it’s just not the same without him on the field. He’s a game-changer, and his return adds another dimension to an already potent offense.
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**Host:** News reports indicate Smith was ready to play last week against the Ravens, but the Eagles decided to hold him out for an extra week. Did that precautionary approach make sense?
**Alex Reed:** Based on what we know, absolutely. Hamstrings can be tricky. Rushing Smith back could have aggravated the injury and potentially sideline him for much longer. It’s smart coaching to prioritize long-term health, especially considering how important Smith is to their playoff hopes.
