October 10, 2024   4 MIN READ

‘Through The Fire’

After IR Stint Following Rough Camp, Rookie WR Ready To Make Mark

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PHILADELPHIA — Ainias Smith was actually pulling in to the Eagles’ NovaCare Complex on Monday when he received the news.

The rookie wide receiver, placed on the team’s injured reserve list to start the season after sustaining an ankle injury coming out of the preseason finale, learned the team had opened his 21-day practice window, initiating a three-week timer in which the Eagles can either activate Smith to the 53-man roster or shut him down for the rest of the season.

His immediate reaction was one typical of a young player determined to kickstart a career that had been hindered early.

”It’s show time now,” he said.

Ainias Smith

GETTY IMAGES: Rookie WR Ainais Smith is ready to help the team once he’s activated from the 21-day practice window.

Smith, selected in the fifth round from Texas A&M in April, endured some growing pains during the spring and summer in his acclimation to the NFL.

It appeared that the game was coming at an accelerated pace for the rookie, who was also inconsistent in fielding punts along with catching routine passes, perhaps concentration-related.

Back then, Smith didn’t appear to be playing with much confidence, and had been leaped by several players in the pecking order, including sixth-rounder Johnny Wilson.

The 23-year-old eventually settled in, however, stacking some catches and winning some 1-on-1s at camp and parlaying his moderate late summer surge into a handful of positive plays in the preseason.

While it always appeared Smith needed more seasoning before being primed to help the Eagles, him showing signs of life was encouraging.

But Smith used his setback as an opportunity to grow and develop, honing in on becoming stronger, faster and grasping a better understanding of what defenses are doing pre-snap in the five or so weeks he was shelved.

When the team traveled, Smith remained in Philadelphia, working on his craft.

“I feel great,” Smith said. “Blessed, truly honored and thankful to be able to just come out and be given the opportunity to show my skills. Really just ready to attack the day.”

Being away from the game afforded Smith some time to take a step back, collect himself and reflect on his brief exposure to the pro ranks, both on and off the field.

Also, the time off armed the rookie with invaluable perspective that should come in handy when opportunity finally strikes.

“It gave me a lot of perspective,” Smith admitted. “It gave me an opportunity to go through the fire, see how things really play out in the league, see the true, business side of things.

“But at the same time, it gave me an opportunity to really get healthy, number one,” he said. Number two, also get into the playbook. Really understand what was going on around me on the field. And, shoot, really just be able to have time to myself to figure out what it is I was gonna do different.”

The next three weeks will be critical in determining Smith’s short-term future, as Wednesday marked the first day of the running 21-day clock.

While the team’s receiver depth was tested early — veteran Parris Campbell is now out of practice squad elevations, by the way — Smith’s best shot at earning the bump, if and when cleared, would seemingly come via his special teams upside as a punt returner.

The latter of which has become particularly notable in light of the expected snap increase for rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean, the team’s primary punt returner in place of an injured Britain Covey, whose own practice window opening is still weeks away.

But Smith isn’t getting ahead of himself. The rookie wideout is taking a day-by-day approach, focused on self improvement.

“Just continue to be more explosive, continue to work on my hands,” he said, “continue to work on recognizing coverages and whatnot, and continue to be the best me.”

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.

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