The Philadelphia Eagles will be without star wide receiver DeVonta Smith for “Sunday Night Football” against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, the team announced Friday.
Smith’s designation is unsurprising given that he did not practice all week due to a hamstring injury. But the news confirms the Eagles will be without one of their top receivers yet again, with Smith and A.J. Brown now having missed multiple games. Smith will be sidelined for the second time after previously missing Week 4 with a concussion, while Brown missed three games, including Week 4, earlier this season.
Friday’s Injury Report#PHIvsLAR pic.twitter.com/hEyV5JAj0Q
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The Eagles offense was mostly inefficient in its three games without Brown and Smith. They went 1-2 while failing to score in the first quarter in each game. They relied more heavily on running back Saquon Barkley and did not have their best matchup winner available to capitalize on the passing opportunities Barkley created.
Smith’s absence has a different impact on the passing game. He’s been quarterback Jalen Hurts’ most reliable target over the middle, and his proficiency to create separation on slants and gain explosive yardage after the catch won’t be easily replaced.
It’s possible receiver Britain Covey (shoulder) could help fulfill Smith’s role in Week 12. Covey’s 21-day practice window opened up earlier this week, and he was a full participant in each practice. The team listed him as questionable for Sunday’s matchup.
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