Just as Marcus Smith was turning a corner and making strides at outside linebacker, a setback popped up.
Smith was carted off the field at the Eagles-Ravens joint practice Thursday with a hamstring injury, and he's out for Saturday's second preseason game against Baltimore, defensive coordinator Billy Davis said Friday.
The Eagles aren't sure yet the severity of Smith's injury, or if he'll be able to return this preseason, but it doesn't sound like they're overly concerned.
"We're glad it's not anything major, but it's still gonna be something that keeps him out this week," Davis said. "It's frustrating, probably for him more than anybody. He really was taking some real steps and coming on and now he's got a setback. That's all it is, a setback. We don't know how long it is. He wasn't looking for it and neither were we."
Asked if Smith could return this preseason, Davis said, "It's gonna be close."
Smith, the Eagles' first-round pick in 2014, failed to register a stat last season but played well against the Colts last Sunday in his most extensive NFL game action to date. Smith had a solo tackle and a pass breakup in the 36-10 Eagles win at the Linc.
With Smith out, the Eagles' depth at outside linebacker is even thinner. And because of it, the Eagles will "accelerate" Vinny Curry's responsibilities at OLB and continue to work in Brad Jones and Emmanuel Acho.
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Davis said to expect to see Curry and Jones at outside linebacker on Saturday against the Ravens. Acho will likely remain inside.
As for the Eagles' inside linebacker trio of Kiko Alonso, DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks, Davis said a decision will be made Friday afternoon as to their availability for Saturday's game. All three missed the Colts game but returned to practice this week.
But whether one of them plays or all of them play, they'll be limited, Davis said.
"A majority of the game," Davis said, "will be played probably by the same guys that did [against the Colts]."