Ainias

Smith

The former fifth-round Eagles wideout did not have any NFL playing time in 2024 after a 7/41/1 debut for the Eagles in 2024. He spent the whole year with the Panthers practice squad and could have a chance to battle with lower-rung receivers like Brycen Tremayne for a roster spot in 2026.

This is a bit of a surprise. Smith was a fifth-round pick last year out of Texas A&M, and reports suggested that the 24-year-old has taken a step forward in camp. The wideout would all but assuredly be added to the practice squad if he goes unclaimed, but there’s a very strong chance that he’ll have a new team in the next 72 hours or so.

Smith was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury in late August after the Eagles’ last preseason game. He was activated off injured reserve this week and will be active for the team’s Week 8 game against the Bengals. The 23-year-old rookie was selected in the fifth round and now gets a chance to make his career debut.

The rookie receiver felt some soreness in his ankle following the final preseason game against the Vikings and a subsequent MRI revealed an injury with an expected recovery of 4-6 weeks. Smith will be eligible to be designated for return this season, but the Eagles’ wide receiver room is a little crowded, so that’s no guarantee to happen.

Smith reportedly felt discomfort in his ankle and hamstring following the Eagles’ final preseason tune-up against the Vikings. The rookie fifth-rounder will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of his injury, meaning we’ll likely get an update on his status in the coming days. Smith has caught eight passes for 43 yards on 11 targets this preseason while playing 88.6 percent of his snaps from the slot.

The Eagles signed Campbell to a one-year deal in the offseason after letting Quez Watkins and Julio Jones walk in free agency. Watkins was signed by the Steelers while Jones remains a free agent. Philly also selected wide receivers Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith on Day Three of the draft. They took a lot of dart throws on potential third receivers and Campbell appears to have the inside track to that role at the beginning of camp. Redraft managers don’t need to worry about this camp battle, but Best Ball drafters could consider Campbell as a final-round gamble if he continues to run with the starters.

Smith (5’9/190) proved to be a shifty slot receiver during his five years at Texas A&M, and forced 20 missed tackles in his final season while going for 53-795-2. He forced a missed tackle on 28.3 percent of his receptions for his career but had a pedestrian 5.9 YAC/REC for his career. Smith has also rushed 72 times for 405 yards and four touchdowns and went for 49-293-4 on the ground as a sophomore. His size, playmaking skills, and ability to move the ball on the ground and through the air make for a nice profile as a gadget player for whatever team drafts him. He also should compete for a chance to return kicks; something that has become more valuable with the new kickoff rules.

Smith will not work out at the combine due to the injury and is set to visit with a specialist next week, per Rapoport. The former Texas A&M prospect isn’t atop anyone’s draft board, but he did amass 180 receptions for just over 2,400 yards and 19 touchdowns during his five years with the Aggies. Smith can also play a role on special teams, with 102 combined kick and punt returns also on his college resumé.

Smith (5'10"/190) will be a top weapon in the A&M system in a season of much hope for them, so it’s great he was cleared of charges. Smith blew under the alcohol limit, and the amount of marijuana found was low enough to be thrown out. With those charges out, the gun charge also did not apply due to Texas’ gun laws. Brazos County attorney Earl Gray said it was not a case of preferential treatment, there was simply not enough evidence to prosecute. Good news for Smith and A&M.

This comes after he was arrested on July 20th and charged with driving while intoxicated, unlawfully carrying a weapon, and possessing less than two ounces of marijuana. He was suspended for SEC media day, but his lawyer confirmed the program has allowed him to resume all football activities. His lawyer believes Smith was not intoxicated at the time of his arrest and believes A&M has the same feelings, which is why they’ve lifted his suspension. Smith led the team last season with 564 receiving yards and 13.1 yards per reception out of the slot, but also saw significant carries behind now-departed Isaiah Spiller. No word yet on whether he will endure any other consequences from the school or NCAA, but if he doesn’t, he will play a significant role in the offense.