The Eagles are reeling after a Week 3 loss, and now they are staring down a potential nightmare for their offense. Leading receiver DeVonta Smith is “legitimately questionable” to play against the Los Angeles Rams this weekend, battling a hamstring injury that has everyone in Philly sweating.
“Legitimately Questionable” Means This Is Serious
Look, NFL insider Mike Garafolo dropping the term “legitimately questionable” isn’t just casual reporting. It means this hamstring injury is serious business. The team had a walkthrough on Wednesday, and Smith was already listed as “did not participate” on their estimated injury report. Remember last week? Smith was also DNP on Thursday, but then he got bumped to limited on Friday and was a full go on Saturday before the Bears game. This week feels different, though. He “seemingly did not participate in today’s practice,” which is a massive red flag if “today” is Thursday. If he misses practice again on Friday, you can practically forget seeing him suit up Sunday. Players who don’t practice usually don’t play, period.
A Third of the Offense Could Vanish
If Smith doesn’t play, man, that is a colossal hole in their lineup. Smith isn’t just “a” receiver, he is *the* guy for this passing game. He has pulled in a staggering 33% of their targets, 34% of their receptions, 38% of their receiving yards, 20% of their receiving touchdowns, and a huge 36% of their receiving first downs this season! We are talking about a third of their passing game, just gone. To make matters worse, top tight end Dallas Goedert is already sidelined, and Hollywood Brown has also been missing practices this week. They would be rolling out Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon, Darius Cooper, Elijah Moore, and Britain Covey as their healthy receivers. Plus, Xavier Gipson is on the practice squad if they need to elevate someone. That’s a lot of pressure on those guys, especially when you are missing your two top targets.
Rams’ Secondary Also Hurting
It’s not all doom and gloom for the Eagles, though, kinda. The Rams’ secondary isn’t exactly at full strength either. Starting cornerback Jaylen Watson is expected to miss this week’s game. So, maybe there’s a tiny silver lining there for whoever does get on the field for the Eagles.
This whole situation is a massive headache for the Eagles as they prep for the 1:00 PM kickoff on Sunday. Keep a close eye out for any updates on Smith’s status heading into the weekend. It is going to be a nail-biter to see if he can somehow make it, because without him, this offense is going to be working with one hand tied behind its back.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
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