Eagles Face Decimated Roster Against Rams as Smith, Baun, and Goedert Ruled Out

Key points

• Six Eagles players are ruled out: DeVonta Smith (hamstring), Zack Baun (concussion), Dallas Goedert (knee), Marcus Epps (groin), Hollywood Brown (ankle), and Fred Johnson (knee).
• DeVonta Smith is expected to miss multiple games, forcing Dontayvion Wicks to become the primary target, with Makai Lemon and Elijah Moore also seeing increased roles.
• Zack Baun’s absence due to a concussion will result in Jeremiah Trotter Jr. making his first career start, with Smael Mondon as the top backup.
• The Rams are missing starting defensive tackle Aaron Donald (back), cornerback Jaylen Watson (shoulder), and tight end Terrance Ferguson (ankle).
• Colby Parkinson and Josaiah Stewart are listed as questionable for the Rams, with Parkinson missing practice entirely.

Background

The Eagles entered Week 4 with a 2-1 record, having struggled with injuries in previous weeks. DeVonta Smith, who accounts for nearly 40% of the team's receiving yards, has been a critical asset, and his absence is a significant blow. The team also faced issues with tight end Dallas Goedert and linebacker Zack Baun in prior weeks. The Rams, at 1-2, have also dealt with injuries, including the absence of Myles Garrett in recent games. Both teams are navigating a challenging stretch with key players unavailable.

How outlets are covering it

Bleeding Green Nation provides a detailed breakdown of the Eagles' injury report, emphasizing the impact of DeVonta Smith's absence on the receiving corps and the potential for Dontayvion Wicks to step up. They also highlight the uncertainty surrounding Marcus Epps and the depth issues at safety. NBC Sports confirms the absence of Smith and Baun from practice but offers less detail on the broader roster implications. ESPN's source was inaccessible, so no additional perspective could be synthesized from that outlet. The Rams' injury report, as noted by Bleeding Green Nation, highlights the absence of Aaron Donald and Jaylen Watson, which could benefit the Eagles' offensive line, but the team must still navigate their own roster challenges.

Why it matters

The absence of key players like DeVonta Smith and Zack Baun significantly impacts the Eagles' offensive and defensive capabilities, forcing them to rely on less experienced backups. This could affect their performance against the Rams, who are also dealing with injuries but may benefit from the Eagles' roster gaps. The outcome of this game could influence the teams' standings and future matchups, making it a critical test for both squads.

What to watch

The Eagles will need to adapt their offensive strategy to compensate for the absence of DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert, potentially leaning more into 12 personnel formations. The Rams will look to exploit the Eagles' defensive gaps, particularly with the absence of Zack Baun and Marcus Epps. Both teams will monitor the status of questionable players like Colby Parkinson and Josaiah Stewart, with final decisions likely made closer to game time.