The Eagles may have to keep piecing together their passing game without Jalen Hurts’ top target on Sunday.
DeVonta Smith is trending toward missing Week 4 against the Rams because of a hamstring injury, according to ESPN’s Tim McManus. Smith hasn’t practiced yet this week, and the “expectation” is that he won’t be available for the matchup.
That would leave Philadelphia leaning on a receiver group that is already being asked to do more after an offseason overhaul and an uneven start through three games. With Saquon Barkley still without a touchdown this season and Dallas Goedert out with a knee injury, the Eagles’ depth is about to get another real test.
If Smith sits, Dontayvion Wicks becomes the next man up. The former Packer has settled in as the No. 2 behind Smith early on, flashing separation and producing nine catches for 179 yards and a touchdown. Against the Rams, he looks like the most obvious candidate to see a jump in volume.
There’s also a chance for first-round pick Makai Lemon to finally break through. The Eagles have tried to work the former USC star into the offense with screens, but the results haven’t been there yet. Through three games, Lemon has seven catches for 38 yards.
Darius Cooper should also see a bigger role after catching the game-winning touchdown from Hurts in Week 2 against the Titans. Hollywood Brown, listed as questionable, could be part of the mix as well.
Smith’s injury has lingered for two straight weeks. He played through it on “Monday Night Football” against the Bears last week, but his status has worsened heading into Sunday.
Before the injury concern, Smith had been carrying a huge load in Philadelphia’s passing game. With A.J.
Brown absent, the 2026 season was set up to be a major opportunity for Smith, and he’s delivered as Hurts’ clear top option so far. His 27 targets are 13 more than anyone else on the roster through three games, and his best outing came in Week 2 against Tennessee, when he went for 117 yards.
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Eagles Suddenly Have A Safety Problem They Thought Was Solved
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For a defense that wanted clarity on the back end after letting Blankenship leave in free agency, the arrangement is at least a workable answer for now, but not exactly a settled one. The Eagles are getting useful snaps from each defender, yet the continued rotation also leaves open the bigger question of whether one of them will seize the spot outright or whether this becomes a long-term committee. [Read more 🡒]