Eagles DB accuses Saints of ‘playing dirty’ after DeVonta Smith injury

NEW ORLEANS — Philadelphia Eagles safety CJ Gardner-Johnson called the hit that injured receiver DeVonta Smith during Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints a “low blow” and accused his former team of “playing dirty.”

Smith left the field early in the fourth quarter with a concussion after a hard collision with Saints defensive tackle Khristian Boyd. Smith’s momentum shifted after he was surrounded by Saints defenders after a short completion, and he was caught off guard by a high hit from Boyd. There was no flag on the play.

“Man, that’s the worst bullshit I’ve ever seen in football, man,” Gardner-Johnson said after the Eagles’ narrow 15-12 victory. “You all saw that the forward momentum was stopped. The fact that they tried to go after one of our key players shows what kind of team they are. They’re ahead.”

It was Gardner-Johnson’s first time playing against the Saints since they traded him to the Eagles in August 2022, and his emotions were clearly running high.

“You always talk about Ceedy this, Ceedy that, but let’s talk about how dirty they’re playing on their end,” Gardner-Johnson said. “Ultimately, the league will take care of it. … We’ve got the dub and we’re continuing to push.”

Gardner-Johnson’s teammates were more measured, although the game seemed to weigh on the minds of several players in the locker room.

“Did I think it was dirty? Yeah,” said left tackle Jordan Mailata, who shoved Boyd to the ground after the play. “Did I think it was intentional? No, ah, I don’t know. I have to look at that. I’m torn, as you can see. I hope Smitty is OK.”

Mailata added that Boyd was “just trying to make a play” — a sentiment echoed by defensive end Brandon Graham.

Smith remained on the ground for several minutes. Teammates gathered around him and coach Nick Sirianni put a hand on Smith’s knee before the receiver got up and walked away on his own. He was then removed from the game.

On the next play, running back Saquon Barkley ran for a 65-yard touchdown, giving the Eagles the lead for the first time.

“To see someone like Smitty get hurt today, it’s frustrating,” center Cam Jurgens said. “I hope everyone is OK. There were a lot of injuries, but it’s unfortunate for a guy to get hurt like that.”

Right tackle Lane Johnson also suffered a concussion in the first half and did not return. Right guard Mekhi Becton (finger) and receiver/returner Britain Covey (shoulder) were also injured and were sidelined. Covey wore a sling on his left arm when he left the locker room after the game.