Ainias Smith's unexpected injury will give the Eagles more roster flexibility

It isn't quite 'Black Monday', but it's close. The Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL's other 31 franchises shifted their attention from a final preseason game to the deadline for final roster cuts.

News also began to spread about a rookie. Monday afternoon brought the news of waivers and releases. We'd also find out that Ainias Smith suffered an ankle injury versus the Minnesota Vikings during the preseason finale in Week 3.

The thought... Might he begin the regular season on Philly's non-season-ending injured reserve? The MRI helped give that theory some credence.

While not official yet, that appears to be the plan.

Per report, Ainias Smith will be placed on the Eagles injured reserve to begin Philly's regular season.

Per a report offered by Zach Berman, league sources have advised him that Ainias Smith's MRI from Monday reveals an ankle injury that should sideline him. A 4-6 week recovery time is the prognosis.

That will force the Eagles to place their rookie on the injured reserve. That will also open the door for another wide receiver to make the roster. John Ross, Griffin Hebert, Parris Campbell, and Austin Watkins have already been informed that they are to be waived or released, so the most reasonable option seems to be that the Eagles will carry five wide receivers.

Joseph Ngata is an option, but his inclusion seems unlikely. Jacob Harris hasn't climbed the depth chart. A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson, and Britain Covey all feel like shoo-ins to make the 53-man roster.

Philly later announced that tight end Albert Okwuegbunam will also head to the IR.

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