NEW ORLEANS — Philadelphia Eagles safety CJ Gardner-Johnson called the hit that injured receiver DeVonta Smith in Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints a “cheap blow” and accused his former team of “dirty play.”

Smith left early in the fourth quarter with a concussion after a high-speed collision with Saints defensive tackle Khristian Boyd. Smith’s momentum was tarnished after he was boxed in by Saints defenders on a short completion, and he was surprised by a high hit from Boyd. There was no flag on the play.

“Man, that’s the dirtiest s— I’ve ever seen in football, bro,” Gardner-Johnson said after the Eagles’ narrow 15-12 victory. “You guys saw the progression of progress being stopped. For them to take a cheap shot on one of our key players shows what kind of team they are. They’re league leaders.”

This was the first time Gardner-Johnson had played against the Saints since they sent him to the Eagles in August 2022, and it was clear his emotions were running high.

“You guys always talk about Ceedy this, Ceedy this, but let’s talk about how they’re playing dirty on their end,” Gardner-Johnson said. “Ultimately the league will deal with it. … We got the dub and we’re going to keep pushing.”

Gardner-Johnson’s teammates were more subdued, but the game appeared to preoccupy some players in the locker room.

“Did I think it was dirty? Yeah,” said left tackle Jordan Mailata, who shoved Boyd to the ground after the play. “Did I think it was intentional? No — ah, I really don’t know. I’ve got to see it. I’m conflicted, as you can see. I hope Smitty’s OK.”

Mailata added that Boyd was “just trying to make a play,” a sentiment also shared by defensive end Brandon Graham.

Smith remained on the ground for several minutes. Teammates gathered around him and coach Nick Sirianni put a hand on Smith’s knee before the receiver eventually got up and walked away under his own power. He was later ruled out of the game.

On the next play, running back Saquon Barkley broke through for a 65-yard touchdown run, giving the Eagles the lead for the first time.

“You see something like Smitty get hurt today, it’s frustrating,” center Cam Jurgens said. “I hope everybody’s OK. There were a lot of injuries, but it sucks when a player gets hit like that.”

Standout right tackle Lane Johnson also left the field with a concussion in the first half and did not return. Right guard Mekhi Becton (finger) and receiver/returner Britain Covey (shoulder) were also injured and ruled out. Covey wore a sling on his left arm as he walked out of the locker room after the game.