The Los Angeles Rams are gearing up for Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, and they may have Puka Nacua back, but they may be without Aaron Donald and others.
The start to the season has been shaky for Los Angeles with flat performances, injuries and some unlucky calls.
At times, the Rams have looked good too, so there’s that.
The question for this Rams team is how good will they be? They have the talent; they are still competing the last two weeks despite some real injuries (Myles Garrett hasn’t
played since Week 1).
The Rams will see if Donald can suit up for them on Sunday and or they’ll see if they can withstand some more bad luck.
Rams’ Aaron Donald Update Teases A Possible Break For Eagles (sports.yahoo)
“When the head coach Sean McVay met with reporters, he revealed that Donald is dealing with a sore back.
Currently, the superstar’s game status is up in the air.
“I wouldn’t want to say anything of that nature yet,” McVay said regarding Donald’s status for Sunday’s action, according to Rams reporter Zach Edwards. “But (his) back’s a little bit sore, and he’s as tough as it gets, we’ll continue to have updates as the week goes.”
Rams OC expects Nacua (groin) to practice in full (nbcsports)
“Scheelhaase also said that Nacua “twisted” to catch a pass thrown behind him yesterday, which the offensive coordinator took as a good sign. Nacua is on track to face the Eagles in Week 4. As long as he gets through the practice week without suffering a setback, Nacua is an elite WR1 this week.“
Sean McVay addresses speculation that Puka Nacua’s absence was contract-related (ramswire)
“During Nacua’s absence, some speculated that he wasn’t injured at all and that it was all contract-related. Nacua, of course, has not yet signed an extension with the Rams despite being in the final year of his contract, causing some to spread the rumor that he was quietly holding out.
During an interview on ESPN Los Angeles Wednesday, McVay addressed that speculation and denied its plausibility.
“Yeah, it’s not true,” McVay said. “He just did a great job with our walkthrough. He’s been working, chomping at the bit to get back out there with his teammates and this week, we expect him to be out there.”
What Is Jalen Hurts’ Career Record Against Los Angeles Rams? (athlonsports)
“Heading into Week 4, Hurts has played against the Rams four times as a starter for Philadelphia and he boasts a 4-0 record in those games.
Hurts won his first start against the Rams in October of 2023 in a 23-13 Eagles victory. He threw for 303 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception in that game, while also adding 72 rushing yards and another TD with his legs.“
Rams special teams coach backs Xavier Smith but admits he must improve (ramswire)
“Ventrone’s group brought in a new long snapper, Joe Cardona, and added linebacker Grant Stuard to assist with their punt and kick coverage. The Rams chose to stick with Xavier Smith at returner, despite his muffed punts in the NFC Championship Game. In 2026, results have varied, and on Thursday, Ventrone spoke about Smith’s work.
Calling it for what it was, Ventrone said Smith has been inconsistent and needs to do a better job of tracking and fielding punts. However, Ventrone also made it clear that Smith is still the guy moving forward.“
Sportsbook Insiders: Examining the Latest Super Bowl Odds Movement; Why Rams Remain Highly Rated (si.com)
“After all, they’ve lost to two contenders in San Francisco and Denver and have fallen to third in the odds to win their own division. Going to the Super Bowl – never mind winning it – out of a wild card spot won’t be easy, but that’s the path the Rams may have to take in 2026.
Sports Illustrated recently spoke to several oddsmakers about the Rams’ outlook – and their latest Super Bowl odds – to see if they’re still viewed as the best team in the NFL.
“The Rams are currently still our highest power rated team, but the gap has narrowed significantly since preseason,” a FanDuel Trader told Sports Illustrated. “Once they get Puka and Myles Garrett back, they should regain a healthy lead as our highest rated team.”
Rams’ Week 4 clash vs. Eagles could have pivotal playoff implications later (ramblinfan)
“While still early, LA’s division odds are shrinking fast. 3-0 San Francisco and 2-1 Seattle lead the NFC West. Both have easier schedules. Further complicating the climb, the Horns have dealt with constant injuries in the first three games, including many to key starters.
Judging where things stand now, they will most likely need to navigate the Wild Card route through the playoffs. Knowing this, games against NFC opponents grow in importance. A Week 2 victory over the Giants was a step in the right direction. Beating the Eagles would be even better.“
Evan Silva’s Matchups: Rams at Eagles (establishthefun)
“The Rams’ unprecedented early-season travel schedule rolls on, following up a Sunday night road game in Denver with a cross-country trip to Philadelphia. Matthew Stafford more than made things work sans top WR Puka Nacua (hip) in each of the last two games, notching Weeks 2-3 fantasy finishes of QB5 (vs. NYG) and QB6 (@ DEN). Nacua’s expected return heightens Stafford’s ceiling, while Bears third-stringer Case Keenum’s picking apart of Philly last Monday night further inspires confidence in the NFL’s reigning MVP. … Blake Corum isn’t going away as a change-of-pace back, but Kyren Williams distanced himself in a high-efficiency Week 3 performance at Denver, out-snapping Corum 61 to 25 and out-touching him 21 to 8. Sean McVay is understandably more willing to lean on Williams in hostile environments, which Philadelphia obviously presents. Williams’ every-week RB1 value is set in stone. Corum remains a mere bench stash, albeit a still-exciting one.“
Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles NFL Pro Week 4 Preview (nfl.com)
“Brett Kollmann and Trevor Sikkema deep dive into the Rams vs. Eagles matchup with key Next Gen Stats insights from NFL Pro.”
Rams’ Puka Nacua listed as limited at practice, but his update is better than that (sports.yahoo)
“”Rams-Eagles injury report for Thursday. Puka Nacua said he was a full participant today, but he’s officially listed as ‘limited,'” Grosbard posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter.
Los Angeles has looked efficient on offense under coach Sean McVay. Davante Adams expectedly handled the air attack slack in Nacua’s absence. But fans know this system is at its most explosive best with Nacua inside the huddle.
Yet this offense became turnover prone against the Broncos. Denver safety Talanoa Hufanga stepped in front of two errant Matthew Stafford passes: One that handed Denver a 23-19 lead on a pick six, then the second to seal the win at Empower Field.“
Comment of the Day:
“Honest conversations about AD and Garrett would probably suggest that we won’t get a lot from either. Garrett could still pay off down the line, but this is looking like a very sad return for the Ram legend. Things can change, but it doesn’t look good. That said, if the O can stay healthy and peak, we can at least get back to last year with a leaky defense and a high powered offense. No reason that can’t happen. Adams seems MUCH MORE locked in w/ Stafford, and if Puka is getting right, that’s dynamic. TEs when healthy are a solid committee, and our backfield is productive.” -Dr.Ram
