DeVonta Smith is back ahead of Eagles-Patriots joint practices

You knew DeVonta Smith wouldn't possibly miss an opportunity to get work against Christian Gonzalez, and the Eagles-Patriots joint practice just received a bolt of energy with Philadelphia's star pass catcher returning to practice after a two-week absence.

Philadelphia managed him carefully, holding its top receiver out of multiple practices and Saturday's 24-7 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Smith progressed from rehabilitation work to pregame warmups in Baltimore, and his return positions him for a meaningful test this week in Foxborough.

Devonta Smith is back. He’s been absent for two weeks with a hamstring injury. Big news for the Eagles pic.twitter.com/T90mR5bxzP

Philadelphia will travel Tuesday before joint practices with the New England Patriots on Wednesday and Thursday. Those sessions should provide an extended look at the Eagles' starting offense against New England's starting defense.

Smith's presence and return to the lineup matter as Jalen Hurts continues learning offensive coordinator Sean Mannion's system. The Eagles are incorporating more under-center work, motion, play-action and outside-zone concepts, making live repetitions valuable for Hurts and his No. 1 receiver. Smith is also adjusting to an expanded role after Philadelphia traded A.J. Brown to New England in June.

The Eagles can manage Smith's workload and benefit from his involvement.

Philadelphia's reserves produced seven points against Baltimore, but joint practices will offer a better evaluation of the first-team offense. Smith's return gives Hurts his most trusted target and Mannion another chance to sharpen an offense still forming its identity.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: DeVonta Smith is back ahead of Eagles-Patriots joint practices