Devonta Smith injury: C.J. Gardner-Johnson angrily calls out Khristian Boyd over hit

Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson called out the New Orleans Saints (2-1) for the “cheap shot” taken against receiver DeVonta Smith during Sunday’s Week 3 matchup.

Smith suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter after taking a direct hit to the head from Saints defensive tackle Khristian Boyd. There was no flag on the play. Gardner-Johnson, who spent three seasons with the Saints, accused his former team of committing the “dirtiest sh*t” he’s ever seen in football.

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“Man, that’s the dirtiest s—- I ever saw in football, bro.”

Former Saint C.J. Gardner-Johnson reacts to the hit that injured DeVonta Smith. pic.twitter.com/mXKfcYXDMH

— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) September 22, 2024

“Man, that’s the dirtiest s— I ever saw in football, bro,” Gardner-Johnson said, via Tim McManus of ESPN. “Y’all obviously saw forward progression was stopped. For them to take a cheap shot on one of our key players, it goes to show what type of team that is. They’re front-runners.”

Smith laid motionless on the ground for several minutes after the hit. He eventually got up and was able to walk off the field under his own power. Smith hauled in seven receptions for 79 yards before exiting the game. 

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While not quite as animated as Gardner-Johnson, offensive tackle Jordan Mailata also said he felt Boyd’s hit was dirty.

“Did I think it was dirty? Yeah,” Mailata said. “Did I think it was intentional? No — ah, I don’t fu*king know. I’ve got to watch it. I’m conflicted as you can tell. I hope Smitty is OK.”

Eagles lose DeVonta Smith in Week 3 win over Saints

One play later, running back Saquon Barkley went 65 yards for a score to give Philadelphia its first lead of the game. The Eagles held on to pick up a 15-12 road victory.

While the win is to be celebrated, Smith was first on the minds of his teammates and coaches after the game.

“DeVonta Smith, he is one of the toughest dudes I know,” head coach Nick Sirianni said. “He’s one of the toughest dudes I know. I’ll get an update on how he’s doing. Obviously, he didn’t come back in the game. But if he would’ve been able to, he would’ve because DeVonta Smith is tough… DeVonta Smith is a warrior, he’s tough and he puts his body on the line.

“These guys put their bodies on the line, play in and play out and he’s one guy that does that all the time. I hope he’s OK.”