The Los Angeles Rams are gearing up for another important matchup after a tough Week 3 loss to the Denver Broncos. Los Angeles surrendered a 16-point halftime lead before falling 30-26, leaving the team looking to respond in the next game.
The Rams now travel to Philadelphia for a Week 4 meeting with the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Both teams entered the matchup with key players sidelined, creating uncertainty on both sides of the ball.
Los Angeles will have to manage some absences while preparing for Philadelphia’s offense. The Eagles also face personnel concerns of their own heading into Sunday’s game, which could shape how the two teams approach the matchup.
DeVonta Smith Is Isolated as Rams Get Major Boost
The Eagles will be without star wide receiver DeVonta Smith against the Rams after Philadelphia waived him with a hamstring injury. Smith had 19 receptions for 235 yards and a touchdown in the opening three games.
Smith has been one of Jalen Hurts’ primary receiving options this season. He produced 117 receiving yards against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2 before recording 65 yards against the Chicago Bears last week.
The absence becomes more significant as Philadelphia will also miss tight end Dallas Goedert and wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. Goedert is dealing with a knee injury, while Brown remains with an ankle issue.
With Smith unavailable, the Eagles will need other players to take on bigger roles. Dontayvion Wicks has nine receptions for 179 yards and a touchdown this season. Rookie Makai Lemon, Darius Cooper and veteran tight end Zach Ertz could also see more opportunities.
“CBS Sports” reported that Smith could miss two to three games due to a hamstring issue. He didn’t practice all week after playing every offensive snap against Chicago.
The Eagles will also be without linebacker Zack Baun, who has been sidelined with a concussion. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is expected to start alongside Jihaad Campbell.
For Los Angeles, Smith’s loss removes one of Philadelphia’s key offensive weapons ahead of a matchup where the Rams already have some defensive concerns.
Rams Prepare for Eagles Game Amid Major Injury
The Rams will also enter Sunday’s game without several key players. Aaron Donald was ruled out with a back injury after missing practice all week.
Donald returned from a two-year retirement this season but did not play with Myles Garrett, who remains on injured reserve after knee surgery. Donald recorded four tackles this season while staying involved in the Rams’ pass rush.
Los Angeles will also lose cornerback Jaylen Watson. He dislocated his shoulder in the Rams’ Week 3 loss to Denver and remains sidelined.
Tight end Terrance Ferguson is another loss. The Rams placed him on injured reserve with a medial ankle sprain, meaning he will miss at least four games.
However, there is positive news for the offense. Puka Nacua has been cleared to return after missing the previous two games with a hip injury. Nacua practiced fully on Friday and was ruled out with no injury heading into Sunday.
Colby Parkinson remains questionable with knee and shoulder issues, while outside linebacker Josaiah Stewart is questionable with a groin injury.
The Rams will now turn their attention to Philadelphia after their loss in Denver. The Eagles’ absences give Los Angeles another factor to consider as both teams try to regroup in Week 4.
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