Saints' attack on DeVonta Smith: “That's the dirtiest (swear word) I've ever seen in football”

The Philadelphia Eagles had already lost right tackle Lane Johnson to a concussion in Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints when a heavy blow knocked wide receiver DeVonta Smith out of the game.

On the third consecutive snap, Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts connected with the former Alabama All-American on a first-and-10 play from the Eagles' 30-yard line. Smith was tackled by New Orleans defensive back Paulson Adebo and Kendal Vickers after a 5-yard gain, and 320-pound Khristian Boyd, who followed the play at full speed, hit Smith in the back and head.

Smith's helmet flew off and the impact left him lying flat on the grass.

“Man, that's the dirtiest (expletive) I've ever seen in football, buddy,” Eagles safety CJ Gardner-Johnson said after the game. “You obviously saw the advance was stopped. They're going to unfairly attack one of our key players, that shows what kind of team this is: They're top-ranked.”

After being treated on the field, Smith went to the sideline medical tent and then to the locker room. On the way to the locker room, Smith waved his arms and a towel to cheer on the Eagles fans at the Caesars Superdome, but did not return to the game.

The NFL team announced that Smith was being evaluated for a concussion. Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni did not provide any new information on Smith's injury after the game.

“DeVonta Smith, man, he's one of the toughest guys I know,” Sirianni said. “He's one of the toughest guys I know, and I'll get an update on how he's doing. Obviously, he didn't return to the game, but if he was able to, he would have, because DeVonta Smith is tough. And when one of your best players has that much mental and physical toughness, it's contagious.”

The Eagles were trailing 3-0 when Smith left with 13:45 left. On the next snap, Philadelphia running back Saquon Barkley broke free for a 65-yard touchdown and the Eagles won 15-12.

“We came together right afterward and said, let's trust each other and do this for Smitty,” Barkley said. “Sometimes it just works that way.”

Smith, from Amite City, Louisiana, played in New Orleans for the first time in his NFL career on Sunday.

“I know it was a special game for him,” Hurts said, “and I'm happy that we as a team found a way to win in his home state. Hopefully he can hear those words and be proud.”