As the NFL preseason carries us through the middle of August, it's starting to feel as if football is finally back. While we all know that these three weeks of games can't match the excitement and tenacity that the regular season brings, they're pivotal for those trying to carve out a role on a roster and make the final 53. For former Aggies wideout Ainias Smith, his case is growing stronger by the second.
Former Texas A&M wide receiver Ainias Smith scores his second TD through two preseason games with the Philadelphia Eagles. pic.twitter.com/Wo2O87O4wn
— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) August 16, 2025
Ainias Smith continues preseason breakout for Eagles, but future could be murky
Smith has made the most of his opportunities in preseason action thus far: four catches on five targets for 30 yards and two scores. He's also been in the mix on special teams, returning one kickoff and two punts for the Eagles, including this highlight return for 46 yards.
Ainias Smith has a receiving TD AND this punt return in the last minute of play 😤
— NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2025
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The five-year Aggie is considered to be in the mix for one of the team's six wide receiver slots, primarily battling things out with Darius Cooper and Terrace Marshall Jr. Through two games, Marshall Jr. has two catches for 17 yards, while Cooper logged zero catches Saturday after a six-catch, 82-yard performance in their first preseason bout.
Things got a little more complicated this weekend, however, as the Eagles traded with the Texans to acquire wide receiver John Metchie III, who started three games for Houston last season and had 254 receiving yards on 24 catches.
With Metchie in the fold and four roster spots already handed out to A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson, it looks like a three-man battle with one spot to go. No matter how it shakes out, it's great to see the former Aggie fighting for a role and continuing to make a name for himself in the NFL.