The Philadelphia Eagles are set to play a big contest on Sunday with significant implications for the NFC playoff picture in Week 4. The Eagles will be without a key offensive player for the contest. After being upset by a Chicago Bears team that was down to third-string quarterback Case Keenum in Week 3, the Eagles are trying to avoid a second consecutive loss when they host the 1-2 Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams, a preseason Super Bowl favorite, are trying to avoid a 1-3 start but will be without their top two defensive linemen, Myles Garrett (knee injury) and Aaron Donald (back injury). More news: Exclusive: Breakout NFL Executives Who Could Become Future General Managers More news: 4 QBs Generating Serious Trade Buzz Weeks Before NFL Regular Season Starts On Sunday, the Eagles made right tackle Lane Johnson inactive for Sunday's game. Johnson's backup, Fred Johnson, was made inactive due to a knee injury.
Philadelphia could have to turn to Markel Bell at right tackle. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Johnson was dealing with a personal issue on Sunday. Philadelphia has an 18-29 record without Johnson.
"Eagles OT Lane Johnson is inactive today. Eagles are 18-29 without Johnson," Schefter posted on X. "Eagles rookie third-round pick Markel Bell will start today at right tackle for Lane Johnson.
Eagles backup RT Fred Johnson also is out today." Johnson's absence is concerning for an Eagles offense that only scored a touchdown in a 27-7 loss to the Bears in Week 3. Even without Donald and Garrett, the Rams have solid defenders up front with Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner, Poona Ford and Byron Young. The Rams will enter the contest with their backs against the wall.
Los Angeles would face an uphill battle to make the postseason if it started the season with a 1-3 record, and will be motivated to earn a win over an Eagles team that is still trying to figure things out on offense under first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. For more on the Rams and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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