Eagles Without DeVonta Smith and Zack Baun; Rams Sit Aaron Donald but Get Puka Nacua Back
Smith has a hamstring injury and Baun is in the concussion protocol after Monday night's loss. The Rams are holding Donald out with back soreness, and Nacua returns from a two-game absence on a snap count.
Both teams in Sunday's Rams-Eagles game in Philadelphia will be missing stars. The Eagles ruled out receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring), linebacker Zack Baun (concussion) and tight end Dallas Goedert (knee). The Rams ruled out Aaron Donald with back soreness but will have Puka Nacua for the first time since the opener.
What is Philadelphia missing?
Its top two pass catchers. Smith played every offensive snap in Monday's loss at Chicago but could not practice this week; he missed part of training camp with a similar hamstring problem. Dontayvion Wicks moves into the lead receiver role: "Being me, the player I am, I already have that confidence." Baun played 92 percent of the snaps against the Bears, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is in line to replace him.
Why is Donald sitting?
He felt back soreness after the loss in Denver. He has played 56 percent of the defensive snaps in his two games since coming out of retirement. "Part of our job is to protect these tough dudes like him from themselves," Sean McVay said, adding that Donald could probably play but that it would be irresponsible to ask him to.
How healthy is Nacua?
McVay said: "Physically he's getting in and out of his breaks, looks strong, looks sturdy, looks explosive." The Rams will manage his snaps based on conditioning. Cornerback Jaylen Watson is out with a shoulder injury, tight end Terrance Ferguson went on injured reserve with a sprained ankle, and tight end Colby Parkinson is questionable.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Eagles' DeVonta Smith out vs. Rams with hamstring injury
- ESPN: Aaron Donald out, Puka Nacua to play in Rams' game vs. Eagles
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