See more of our coverage in your search results.
Ahead of a critical Week 4 matchup against the Eagles, the Rams caught a massive break from the injury bug.
According to ESPN Eagles reporter Tim McManus, Philadelphia could be without wide receiver DeVonta Smith.
“There is not much optimism Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith will play Sunday against the Rams,” McManus wrote on X.
Smith has been sidelined from practice this week due to a hamstring injury and “the expectation is he won’t be able to go Sunday,” McManus wrote.
Smith’s loss will hurt the Eagles because quarterback Jalen Hurts will be without his top weapon.
In Philadelphia’s first season without A.J. Brown, Smith has emerged as the team’s top wide receiver, having 19 receptions for 235 yards and one touchdown.
Philadelphia’s receiver room lacks a strong supporting cast behind Smith. The Eagles definitely will be without tight end Dallas Goedert, who is recovering from a sprained MCL injury.
The Eagles’ potential receiver group on Sunday could be headlined by fourth-year veteran Dontayvion Wicks and rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon.
Wicks is in his first season with Philadelphia after spending three with the Packers.
So far, he’s had nine receptions on 14 targets for 179 yards and one touchdown.
But he’s never been the No.1 receiver.
Lemon is a year removed from being crowned the Biletnikoff winner while playing at USC and is still trying to find his footing in the NFL. He has seven receptions for 38 yards.
For the Rams, Smith’s loss comes at the perfect time. LA announced on Monday that it will be without cornerback Jaylen Watson for the foreseeable future after he suffered a dislocated shoulder in Sunday’s 30-26 loss to the Broncos.
Aside from Watson, Los Angeles could be without Aaron Donald, who hasn’t practiced this week due to a back injury. Linebacker Nate Landman and nose tackle Poona Ford have also not been participating this week.
On offense, the Rams got good news on Wednesday when they found out that Puka Nacua is expected to play on Sunday.
Since Sean McVay has been head coach of the Rams, they are 1-6 against the Eagles.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 10 a.m. Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
