The Eagles have signed free-agent WR Steve Smith to a 1-year deal. Another surprising but intriguing move by Philly. Smith is coming off the dreaded microfracture surgery and could start the season on the PUP list. That’d knock him out for the first 6 weeks.
That said, it sounds like Smith (knee) may avoid the PUP list. Giants HC Tom Coughlin said team doctors told him that Smith would be ready to resume practicing in 4-6 weeks. And ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Eagles aren’t planning on needing to place Smith on the PUP. Another report suggested that he wouldn’t be ready until mid-October though. It’s just a guessing game at this point.
If he can return to form, though, he’ll provide the Eagles with a big-time weapon out of the slot. Smith should pass Jason Avant on the depth chart and is a perfect complement to speedier outside WRs DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. Just another weapon for QB Michael Vick to work with. Meanwhile, Giants QB Eli Manning continues to lose weapons. First TE Kevin Boss and now Smith. WRs Victor Cruz and Jerrel Jernigan will battle for New York’s #3 WR spot.
