DeVonta Smith is once again battling a hamstring injury, and this time, it’s raising some serious red flags for the Eagles’ offense and, yes, for Jalen Hurts himself. Smith missed Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practice, a scenario we saw last week too, but this ongoing issue has folks really paying attention. He battled this same hamstring during training camp, showing he can manage it, but a missed Thursday practice heading into Week 4 is always a huge concern. If you’re counting on him, you better have a backup plan ready to roll.
The Big Ripple Effect If Smith Sits
Here’s the deal: if Smith can’t go for Week 4, the impact isn’t just on him. Suddenly, Jalen Hurts, who typically sits among the league’s elite, could fall *outside* the top 12 quarterbacks for the week. That’s a massive hit to fantasy production and a clear indicator of how vital Smith is to that passing game. And for those deep-dive fantasy managers, Dontayvion Wicks would immediately jump to a high-end WR3 status if Smith is sidelined. All eyes need to be on Friday’s injury report, because this single hamstring could shift a lot of outcomes.
Elite Pass Catchers Still On The Sidelines
It’s not just Smith causing headaches out there. Justin Jefferson, another absolute superstar wide receiver, left Week 3 with an ankle injury, and honestly, things aren’t looking good. Despite some initial optimism earlier in the week, he wasn’t even seen at the open portion of practice. That’s a huge blow for the Vikings. On the flip side, Jordan Addison stepped up big time after Jefferson went down, scoring 20 fantasy points in Week 3, and he’ll be a high-end WR3 at worst in a favorable matchup if Jefferson remains out. Another name to keep an eye on is Jalen Coker. He’s been dealing with an ankle injury and then left Week 3 with a quad issue. He’s not projected to play in Week 4, but the fact that he was back at practice on Thursday offers a glimmer of hope. When Coker’s actually on the field, both Bryce Young and Tetairoa McMillan have been more productive, boosting the Panthers’ pass game especially with a fantastic matchup against the Lions. If Coker manages to get active, he’s a low-end WR2, and Young becomes an even more attractive starting option. Just know this: if Coker does play, it means Darren Waller, who soaked up targets after Coker’s Week 3 exit, will likely take a hit.
Some Good News From The Wide Receiver Front
Okay, it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s some positive news coming out of Week 4 that could bring a smile to your face. Sean McVay, head coach for the Rams, is fully expecting Puka Nacua to be a full participant in practice on Thursday and to suit up this week. That’s huge! And it’s not just him: Nico Collins for the Texans is also expected back on the field. The wide receiver position has been absolutely decimated by injuries through September, so getting two talented pass catchers like Nacua and Collins back to kick off October is a massive win. Their return takes a little bit of the shine off guys like Davante Adams and Tyler Higbee, but Adams is still a locked-in WR2 for me. It’s a reminder that even when things look tough, a couple of key returns can really change the landscape of a week.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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