Ainias Smith may take over the punt returner role if Britain Covey is unable to play, as the Eagles consider managing the workload of Cooper DeJean, who is already starting as the slot cornerback.

Ainias Smith is listed on the injury report this week with an ankle injury, alongside Mekhi Becton. There are no other players named Jalen on the report, indicating that the focus is primarily on the status of Hurts and the impact of Smith's injury on the team's preparations.

Ainias Smith made his debut after being activated off injured reserve, having missed the start of the season due to an ankle injury. He served as the primary backup slot option behind DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, with the potential to increase his playing time if he outperforms Jahan Dotson, who has struggled to make an impact this season. DeVonta Smith has shown better production when playing out wide, suggesting that Smith could help facilitate that shift.

Ainias Smith has been activated from injured reserve after recovering from an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for 81⁄2 weeks. The fifth-round pick had a difficult start to training camp due to a stress fracture in his shin but made an impression in the preseason finale, recording six receptions for 36 yards and returning a punt for 14 yards. His activation is facilitated by a new NFL rule allowing players on injured reserve to return after at least four weeks. Smith takes the roster spot of Byron Young, who was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

Ainias Smith has been activated from injured reserve after recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him since the preseason. The fifth-round pick out of Texas A&M was initially placed on IR due to a stress fracture in his shin, which affected his draft stock. Despite a challenging start, including struggles with drops, Smith showed promise during the preseason, leading the team in receptions. He is eager to prove himself as a valuable addition to the Eagles' offense, particularly in the slot receiver role, and has worked hard to overcome his injury setbacks.