Big Blow: Rams’ Dynamic Force May Sit Out Eagles Matchup
The Thursday edition of the Los Angeles Rams injury report was released this evening. It revealed that Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith missed practice for the second straight day this week with a hamstring injury.
Smith played last week against the Washington Commanders but was limited in practice leading up to the game. He was held to four catches for 29 yards — one of the lowest production totals of his season. He struggled the game before against the Dallas Cowboys, catching two passes for 14 yards.
Rams vs Eagles: DeVonta Smith Misses Practice
Smith missed the Eagles game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4 due to a concussion. The team lost that game and was held to a season-low point total of 16.
The 6-foot, 170-pound receiver is Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts’ favorite target this season, getting targeted 56 times. This is due to, in part, AJ Brown missing three games early in the season. Despite playing two fewer games, Brown leads the team with 618 receiving yards, 102 more than Smith.
The Rams have struggled against teams with multiple high-end receiving options, especially ones that have high-end speed, like Smith, and elusiveness like Brown. Add a top running back — in this case, Saquon Barkley — and the defense could be put into a blender, unlike anything they have seen this season.
The most comparable team they have faced in that regard has been the Detroit Lions with Amon-Ra St.Brown, Jameson Williams, and Jahmyr Gibbs/David Montgomery. Montgomery rushed for 5.4 yards per carry on his way to 91 yards, while Williams caught five passes for 121 yards.
Last season, when the Rams and Eagles squared off, Smith was held to one catch for six yards.
