DeVonta Smith Is Sidelined. The Eagles Are Putting Their WR1 Hopes On 9 Catches Against The Rams.

The Eagles already shipped out A.J. Brown, and now there’s a strong chance DeVonta Smith won’t be suiting up either when they face the Los Angeles Rams on October 4. This isn’t just a bump in the road; it’s a full-blown crisis for their passing game.

Smith’s Hamstring Nightmare Returns

Smith is battling a hamstring injury that’s been bugging him since the summer. The guy hasn’t hit the practice field all week, not even on Friday, October 2. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni isn’t giving us any answers, completely dodging questions about Smith’s availability. The official injury report isn’t even out yet, but the signs are pointing to him being sidelined. You just can’t practice zero days and expect to play.

Who’s Stepping Up in a Suddenly Thin WR Room?

So, if Smith can’t go, who’s actually catching passes for Jalen Hurts? Dontayvion Wicks is expected to slide into the WR1 spot. He’s got 9 catches for 179 yards this season, averaging a solid 19.9 yards per reception. That’s a decent average, but WR1 numbers? Nah. Then there’s rookie Makai Lemon, who’s gonna see a much bigger role with his 7 catches for 38 yards through three games. Darius Cooper will be counted on, and maybe even veteran Elijah Moore, who’s been inactive for the first three games, gets a shot. Sirianni’s trying to play it cool, saying it’s “business as usual this week” and that he has “a lot of faith with all the guys in this building. That’s why they’re in this building.” Easy to say when your two best receivers aren’t on the field.

More Injury Woes Beyond Smith

Smith isn’t the only Eagle dealing with health issues. Linebacker Zack Baun, a Pro Bowl selection in each of the last two seasons, is stuck in the NFL’s concussion protocol. He hasn’t practiced at all this week and needs to be cleared by an independent neurologist before he can even think about playing. If Baun’s out, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is set to take his place.

The Eagles are heading into a crucial matchup against the Rams on October 4 with a depleted lineup. Can Wicks, Lemon, and a possibly revived Elijah Moore really carry the load? This game is going to be a true test of their depth, and frankly, their will to win.

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Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.