Dontayvion Wicks could move from complementary target to featured receiver when the Philadelphia Eagles host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. DeVonta Smith is managing a hamstring injury,
while Hollywood Brown continues dealing with an ankle injury that kept him out of Monday night’s loss to Chicago. Both were listed as nonparticipants in Thursday’s practice, leaving their Week 4 availability uncertain.Offensive coordinator Sean Mannion declined to reveal Philadelphia’s contingency plan, but he said he's confident Wicks can handle an expanded assignment if the Eagles are missing one or both starters.
“Wicks has been doing a ton of great stuff,” Mannion said. “We feel confident in our depth across the board, and they’re going to step up to really
help us continue to grow and improve as an offense.”
Wicks has already demonstrated that he can produce when opportunities arrive. He caught two passes for 73 yards and a touchdown in the season opener, then became a frequent option for Jalen Hurts in critical situations during Philadelphia’s Week 2 victory over Tennessee. His usage increased again against Chicago. Wicks played 44 of Philadelphia’s 50 offensive snaps, reinforcing that the coaching staff already views him as more than an occasional rotational receiver.
A larger role would bring different challenges. Los Angeles could devote more coverage attention to Wicks if Smith and Brown are unavailable, and Philadelphia would need Makai Lemon, Darius Cooper, and its tight ends to prevent the Rams from dictating matchups.
The Eagles need him to win his matchups, provide Hurts with a dependable target, and continue making plays on high-leverage downs. Philadelphia built its receiver depth for weeks like this. Wicks may now receive his clearest opportunity to prove how valuable that depth can become.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles are confident Dontayvion Wicks can handle a larger role vs. Rams
