Philadelphia Eagles Face Key Absences Ahead of NFC Clash with Los Angeles Rams

The Philadelphia Eagles will face significant challenges for their upcoming NFC game against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday, as several key players will miss the match.

Six Eagles players have been ruled out for Week 4 after not participating in Friday’s practice. These players include DeVonta Smith (hamstring), Dallas Goedert (knee), Hollywood Brown (ankle), Fred Johnson (knee), Zach Baun (concussion), and Marcus Epps (groin).

DeVonta Smith will miss a game for the first time since 2024 after being sidelined in practice throughout the week. Smith managed to participate in last week’s game against the Chicago Bears despite his hamstring issue. In that game, he caught six of eight targets for 65 yards. With A.J. Brown no longer on the team, Smith has become a crucial part of the Eagles’ passing strategy, leading the team with 19 receptions and 235 receiving yards.

Tight end Dallas Goedert is the third-leading receiver on the team with 81 yards and the only Eagles player to score more than one touchdown this season. Goedert also missed the game against the Bears after leaving during the Week 2 victory over the Tennessee Titans.

Hollywood Brown, yet to make a catch since joining the team, won’t have the opportunity to step up in Smith’s and Goedert’s absence. In Week 2, he contributed with two rush attempts. The Eagles might rely more on Dontayvion Wicks and hope for a standout performance from Malaki Lemon, the first-round draft pick who has accumulated 33 yards in his initial three NFL games.

On the defensive side, Philadelphia must manage without two of their starters. Zach Baun, who has achieved 25 tackles and leads the team with three defended passes following back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons, has not practiced this week and remains under concussion protocol.

Marcus Epps is out due to a groin injury. Having played 61% of the defensive snaps in three starts, Epps’ role may be filled by either Michael Carter II or Kenny Moore II.

The Rams will also contend with a significant absence, as they have ruled out Aaron Donald, who is suffering from a back injury. The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET.