The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing to play without leading wide receiver DeVonta Smith as he deals with a hamstring injury ahead of Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field.
Smith was among five Philadelphia players who sat out practice on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The wideout previously managed a hamstring issue prior to Week 3, recording six catches for 65 yards on eight targets against the Chicago Bears before aggravating the condition.
Alongside Smith, linebacker Zack Baun remains sidelined in concussion protocol, while wide receiver Hollywood Brown, tight end Dallas Goedert, and tackle Fred Johnson also missed Thursday's session.
Safety Marcus Epps was limited with a groin injury, whereas linebacker Jihaad Campbell was upgraded to a full participant following a knee issue.
Campbell, Trotter Ready to Share Linebacking Duties
With Baun potentially sidelined, Campbell is preparing to share linebacking duties with third-year defender Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who has recorded two starts in his professional career.
"He always practices like a pro. He always takes notes and studies like a pro.
He'll be fine," Campbell said.
"Trot is very instinctive. He's very quick.
He knows how to dissect the offense. He communicates very well.
He gets off blocks very well. He gets to the ball very well.
Everything that he does is good. Trot is a great player, a great linebacker."
Trotter indicated that his weekly approach remains consistent despite the potential increase in playing time.
"I try to make sure I'm prepared in case I got to go out there and start, just take the same type of film study and preparation that I take every single week and just go out there and make sure that I'm out there doing my job to help the team win and put us in a good position to win," Trotter said.
Trotter also addressed the responsibility of relaying calls on defense if Baun is unavailable to wear the helmet communication system.
"It's just going to be something you got to adjust to. It's not too much different," Trotter said.
"It's just getting the call and then relaying it to everybody else.
But that's stuff that you prepare for in practice and you got to make sure you're ready for it."
Campbell noted the team's defensive focus facing a Los Angeles offense that ranks first in total yards per game.
"The main thing is just staying intentional and staying focused on our details to execute and do our job the best," Campbell said.
The Rams are expected to regain wide receiver Puka Nacua from a hip injury, though defensive tackle Aaron Donald, tight ends Terrance Ferguson and Colby Parkinson, and cornerback Jaylen Watson missed practice on Wednesday.
