Philadelphia Eagles Face Key Player Absences in NFC Clash Against Los Angeles Rams

The Philadelphia Eagles will not be at full strength for their significant NFC matchup against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday. The team has officially ruled out six players for Week 4, following their absence from Friday’s practice session.

Among the players sidelined are DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, Hollywood Brown, Fred Johnson, Zach Baun, and Marcus Epps. Smith is dealing with a hamstring injury and will miss his first game since 2024. Despite appearing on the injury report last week for the same issue, Smith recorded six catches for 65 yards in last Monday’s loss to the Chicago Bears. With A.J. Brown no longer on the team, Smith has become a crucial component of the Eagles’ passing attack. He leads the team with 19 catches and 235 receiving yards.

Goedert, with 81 receiving yards, is the third-leading receiver and the only Eagle to have caught more than one touchdown this season. He missed the previous game against the Bears after an early exit in a Week 2 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Hollywood Brown also remains unavailable to fill in the gaps, having not yet recorded a reception for the team.

Rookie Dontayvion Wicks might expect more action on the field, as the Eagles look towards a potential breakout performance from first-round pick Malaki Lemon. Lemon has accumulated 33 receiving yards across three games thus far.

Defensively, the Eagles face additional challenges without starters Zach Baun and Marcus Epps. Baun, coming off consecutive Pro Bowl seasons, has already made 25 tackles and defended three passes. He is still in concussion protocol, missing practice throughout the week. Epps is missing due to a groin injury, with potential replacements including Michael Carter II or Kenny Moore II.

The Rams are also impacted by notable injuries, ruling out Aaron Donald as he deals with a back issue. Sunday’s game is scheduled to commence at 1 p.m. ET.