Eagles confirm DeVonta Smith out for Week 4 Rams clash amid deep injury woes

Key points

• DeVonta Smith is ruled out for Week 4 after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a hamstring injury.
• Smith accounted for 33% of targets and 38% of receiving yards for the Eagles this season.
• The Eagles are also without tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) and wide receiver Hollywood Brown (ankle).
• Linebacker Zack Baun remains in the concussion protocol and did not practice on Thursday.
• The Rams will be without edge defender Myles Garrett (IR) and cornerback Jaylen Watson (shoulder).
• Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is expected to return from a hip injury for the game.

Background

The Eagles entered Week 4 with a 1-2 record following a loss to the Chicago Bears. DeVonta Smith had been a critical part of the offense, highlighted by a strong performance in Week 2 against Tennessee. The team has struggled with injuries to key playmakers, including Goedert, who left Week 2 with a knee injury. The Rams, also 1-2, have faced their own roster challenges, including the trade of Jared Verse for Myles Garrett, who subsequently required knee surgery.

How outlets are covering it

Bleeding Green Nation and NBC Sports emphasize the severity of Smith's absence, noting that he missed practice and is likely out for the game. The official Philadelphia Eagles injury report confirms Smith's 'Did Not Participate' status on both Wednesday and Thursday. PhillyVoice provides broader context, highlighting that the Eagles are missing multiple starters, including Goedert and Brown, and notes the Rams' own significant injuries, such as the absence of Myles Garrett and Jaylen Watson. While all sources agree on Smith's unavailability, they differ in emphasis: Bleeding Green Nation focuses on the impact on the Eagles' receiving corps, while PhillyVoice contrasts this with the Rams' defensive vulnerabilities and the return of Puka Nacua.

Why it matters

The absence of DeVonta Smith, a primary target for quarterback Jalen Hurts, forces the Eagles to rely on less experienced receivers like Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon. This complicates the offense, especially with tight end Dallas Goedert also out. The game is crucial for both teams to improve their records, and the injury situations will likely dictate the strategic approach for both coaches, with the Eagles needing to protect their quarterback and the Rams needing to manage their defensive depth.

What to watch

The Eagles will finalize their game plan for Sunday's 1:00 PM kickoff at Lincoln Financial Field, likely elevating Dontayvion Wicks and Elijah Moore in the passing game. The Rams will monitor the status of Puka Nacua and other limited participants. The outcome of this game will be pivotal for both teams' playoff positioning as the season progresses.