Eagles rookie Makai Lemon gets words of encouragement from DeVonta Smith after botched punt

Philadelphia Eagles rookie receiver Makai Lemon received support from DeVonta Smith after mishandling a punt during Friday’s 30-13 preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Lemon made his NFL debut after missing two preseason games and much of training camp with a hamstring injury. He caught three passes for three yards on five targets. Another pass went through his hands and became an interception.

His difficult night continued when he mishandled a bouncing punt. Lemon recovered it immediately, preventing Cincinnati from taking possession.

PHLY Sports’ EJ Smith shared a clip of the interaction Friday on X, formerly Twitter, from Lincoln Financial Field.

“DeVonta Smith just came over to chat with Makai Lemon after the muffed punt:”

DeVonta Smith just came over to chat with Makai Lemon after the muffed punt: pic.twitter.com/OV1VKX1BX3

— EJ Smith (@EJSmith94) August 29, 2026

The clip contains no public audio, leaving Smith’s exact message unknown. His approach continued a mentorship that began before the rookie’s debut. Lemon previously identified Smith as his biggest mentor, while the veteran said he would remain available whenever Lemon sought advice.

Smith did not play against Cincinnati because the Eagles rested their starters. He remained involved from the sideline as Lemon navigated his first professional action after the interrupted summer.

Lemon’s first reception gained three yards on Philadelphia’s opening offensive snap. His other two catches netted zero yards, while the interception and punt mistake contributed to an uneven performance.

Philadelphia now has only 15 days before the team’s 2026 regular-season opener vs. the Washington Commanders. That window gives Lemon additional practice time to rebuild timing and prepare for a Week 1 role.

Smith’s sideline approach did not establish what the Eagles have planned for Lemon ahead of the season. It showed the veteran supporting his rookie teammate after a public mistake.

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