Zack Baun in concussion protocol; DeVonta Smith, multiple Eagles sit out practice ahead of Rams game
Linebacker Zack Baun remained in the concussion protocol and did not practice on Thursday as the Philadelphia Eagles finalized preparations for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field, the team announced. The status left uncertainty at a key linebacker spot and who would handle the green-dot play-calling duties if he is unavailable. The Eagles held a walkthrough on Wednesday after Monday night’s game in Chicago as they returned to on the field work at the Jefferson Health Training Complex. This will be the team’s first game back home after two weeks on the road.
The Eagles also did not practice Thursday: wide receivers Hollywood Brown (ankle) and DeVonta Smith (hamstring), tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) and offensive tackle Fred Johnson (knee) were listed as nonparticipants. Brown, Goedert and Johnson missed the Bears game because of injury, and Smith has missed practice time in recent weeks. The team released the estimated report after Wednesday’s walkthrough as it ramped up on the field preparation for the Rams. The injury report covers players’ practice participation and designations for the week.
Several players practiced on a limited basis, including defensive tackle Jordan Davis (calf), safety Marcus Epps (groin) and defensive tackle Moro Ojomo (calf/elbow). Running back Will Shipley moved from being a nonparticipant on Wednesday to a limited participant on Thursday. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell was upgraded to full participation, and defensive tackle Jalen Carter (wrist) and outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard (pectoral) were full participants as well. Tank Bigsby also was a full participant Thursday.
With Baun sidelined, the Eagles are preparing for the possibility that Campbell will start alongside Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Campbell praised Trotter’s instincts, communication and ability to get to the ball, and Trotter said he is preparing as if he could be asked to start. Baun wears the green dot on his helmet to relay play calls, and it is uncertain who will assume that role if he is unavailable. The team said it is preparing practice reps and communication plans to adjust if a change is needed.
The Eagles’ game-week notes emphasize that the Rams lead the NFL in total yards per game, rank second in passing yards and seventh in rushing yards. The Rams also stress pre-snap motion (67.3 percent, 11th in the NFL) and operate a frequent no-huddle (10.1 percent, sixth). Head Coach Sean McVay said he was excited to have All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua back after the receiver missed the past two games with hip/groin soreness, and Nacua was expected to be a limited participant on Wednesday. Several Rams did not practice on Wednesday, including defensive tackle Aaron Donald (back), tight ends Terrance Ferguson (ankle) and Colby Parkinson (knee/shoulder) and cornerback Jaylen Watson (shoulder), and Ferguson and Watson are not expected to play.
The Eagles’ reported nonparticipants on Thursday were Baun, Brown, Goedert, Johnson and Smith. Limited participants included Jordan Davis, Marcus Epps, Moro Ojomo and Will Shipley. Full participants on Thursday included Tank Bigsby, Jalen Carter, Darius Cooper, Jonathan Greenard and Byron Young. The team will carry those designations into final game-day decisions this week.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Zack Baun’s placement in the concussion protocol is the central concern from Thursday’s report because it affects both the starting lineup and the green-dot play-calling role. If Baun cannot play, Philadelphia is likely to start Jihaad Campbell alongside Jeremiah Trotter Jr., a pairing the team has prepared for but one that requires communication adjustments. The limited practice statuses of DeVonta Smith and Hollywood Brown are notable for an offense that must contend with the Rams’ league-leading yardage and heavy use of motion and no-huddle sets. A potential return by Puka Nacua would further raise the stakes for Thursday’s personnel and game-planning decisions.