The Philadelphia Eagles lost in Week 3 and now they’re dealing with some not-so-good injury news ahead of their Week 4 game.
Leading receiver DeVonta Smith is “legitimately questionable” to play against the Los Angeles Rams this weekend due to his hamstring injury, according to a report from NFL insider Mike Garafolo. FIRST UPDATE: More reporting suggesting Smith is unlikely to play this weekend.
“I heard earlier this week that DeVonta will probably miss this game and maybe another one. Maybe two or three weeks with a hamstring injury.”
It should be noted that Garafolo calling him “legitimately questionable” isn’t necessarily the same as the Eagles officially listing Smith with a questionable designation on their final injury report.
With the Eagles holding a walkthrough in lieu of a normal practice Wednesday, the team released an estimated injury report. Smith is listed under “did not participate.”
Smith was also listed under DNP on Thursday before their Week 3 game against the Chicago Bears. But then he was upgraded to limited on Friday and went full on Saturday.
The difference from last week to this week, so far, is that Smith didn’t seem to participate in today’s practice either. If he fails to participate again on Friday, it’s hard to imagine him dressing on Sunday because players who don’t practice usually don’t play in games.
If Smith can’t play against the Rams, the Eagles will be without a player who has caught 33% of their targets, 34% of their receptions, 38% of their receiving yards, 20% of their receiving touchdowns, and 36% of their receiving first downs this season. Not perfect. Especially since they have top tight end Dallas Goedert.
With Hollywood Brown also missing from practice this week, the Eagles could turn to these healthy receivers: Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon, Darius Cooper, Elijah Moore, and Britain Covey. They also have Xavier Gipson on the practice squad.
Although the Eagles may be undermanned at receiver, the Rams are dealing with injury issues themselves in their secondary. Starting cornerback Jaylen Watson is expected to miss this week’s game.
We will continue to monitor Smith’s status until Sunday’s 1:00 PM kickoff.