The Eagles need answers on offense after Monday night’s 27-7 loss to the Bears, and finding them may be harder with DeVonta Smith and Hollywood Brown unlikely to play against the Rams.
Smith is dealing with a hamstring injury, and ESPN’s Tim McManus reported there is little optimism that he will be available Sunday. Brown remains sidelined with an ankle injury after missing the game against Chicago. Both were listed as nonparticipants Thursday, leaving Philadelphia to prepare for another depleted receiving group.
For Jalen Hurts and offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, the question is who can handle the work normally reserved for Smith while producing enough to keep drives moving.
Dontayvion Wicks needs a featured role
Wicks becomes an obvious candidate for additional opportunities.
He has already shown he can deliver important catches, and Philadelphia should make him central to its passing plan if Smith cannot play.
The Eagles need someone Hurts can trust when the defense knows a pass is coming. Wicks could be that answer.
Makai Lemon could face his biggest assignment yet
Lemon’s development takes on added urgency with two veteran receivers unlikely to play. The rookie could be asked to handle a larger workload, making his timing with Hurts and ability to execute his assignments especially important.
Zach Ertz offers another option underneath
With Dallas Goedert also sidelined at practice, Ertz could become a more important part of the short passing game if elevated again.
Final analysis
Philadelphia needs dependable completions and sustained possessions. Clear roles for Wicks, Lemon and Ertz would give Hurts a starting point as the Eagles try to recover from their worst offensive performance of the season.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Who steps up for Eagles with DeVonta Smith unlikely to face the Rams?
