Smith’s availability clouded by hamstring trouble
DeVonta Smith has been sidelined this week with a hamstring injury and is considered unlikely to play Sunday when the Los Angeles Rams visit Lincoln Financial Field. ESPN’s Tim McManus said there is “not much optimism” that Smith will be healthy enough to suit up, and multiple reports note he has not practiced this week.
Yardbarker characterized the situation as one in which the Eagles are not expected to have their top target available for Sunday’s game; that characterization remains a rumor at this stage. Bleacher Report noted as a projection that Smith missed practice last Thursday before ramping up to play in a previous outing, and suggested his chances of repeating that recovery this week appear slim.
Smith’s season numbers provide context for what the Eagles are weighing: he has caught 19 passes for 235 yards and one touchdown through the early portion of the season.
Personnel and schematic adjustments being projected
With Smith’s status uncertain, offensive game planning is expected to emphasize other options in the passing game. Sporting News projects that Dontayvion Wicks is likely first in line to see an uptick in targets if Smith does not play, a projection that frames how the Eagles might redistribute catches and route responsibilities.
Lemon has totaled seven receptions for 38 yards through his first three NFL matchups, with Philadelphia's attempts to get the former USC star involved through screens largely failing. Darius Cooper — who caught the game-winning touchdown from Jalen Hurts in Week 2 — will likely have a bigger role in Week 4, while veteran Hollywood Brown could factor in as well.
Sporting News also suggested veterans beyond those two could see expanded snaps and target share, noting other receiving options who could factor more heavily in the absence of Smith. Those personnel adjustments will likely shape specific route concepts and target allocation rather than a wholesale schematic overhaul, per the projections circulating this week.
Coaches historically adjust game plans when a primary pass-catcher is limited, but the reporting available preserves uncertainty around final decisions. Observers will be watching practice reports and the official gameday inactive list for confirmation of how the Eagles execute those projected shifts.
For now, Philadelphia’s immediate strategic posture appears to be contingency-driven: prepare Wicks and Lemon for larger roles, mix in established veterans, and tweak play design to distribute volume in the passing game if Smith’s hamstring keeps him sidelined. Final game plans will become clearer as the team releases its official availability updates leading into Sunday.
