Eagles DB accuses Saints of ‘dirty play’ after DeVonta Smith injured

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

Smith left the field early in the fourth quarter with a concussion after a violent collision with Saints defensive tackle Khristian Boyd. Smith's momentum waned after he was boxed in by Saints defenders after a short pass and was caught off guard by a high hit from Boyd. There was no flag on the play.

“Man, that's the dirtiest shit I've ever seen in football, brother,” Gardner-Johnson said after the Eagles' narrow 15-12 victory. “You obviously saw that the advance was stopped. The fact that they attacked one of our key players so unfairly shows what kind of team they are. They're top-ranked.”

This was Gardner-Johnson's first game against the Saints since they traded him to the Eagles in August 2022, and his emotions were obviously running high.

“You always talk about Ceedy here, Ceedy here, but let's talk about how unfair they are playing on their side,” Gardner-Johnson said. “Ultimately, the league will deal with it. … We have the dub and we move on.”

Gardner-Johnson's teammates were more level-headed, even though the style of play caused problems for several players in the locker room.

“Did I think it was unfair? Yes,” said left tackle Jordan Mailata, who shoved Boyd to the ground after the play. “Did I think it was intentional? No – uh, I don't f***ing know. I'll have to look at it. I'm torn, as you can see. I hope Smitty's OK.”

Mailata added that Boyd was “just trying to make a play” – a sentiment shared 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 finally got up and walked away under his own power. He was later ejected from the game.

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

“Seeing Smitty get hurt today is frustrating,” said center Cam Jurgens. “I hope everyone is OK. There were a lot of injuries, but it's annoying when a player gets hit like that.”

Standout right tackle Lane Johnson also left the field with a concussion in the first half and did not return. Right guard Mekhi Becton (finger) and receiver/returner Britain Covey (shoulder) also sustained injuries and were ruled out. Covey wore a sling on his left arm when he left the locker room after the game.