The Los Angeles Rams were in a holding pattern heading into their Week 3 tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles, but they have gotten some critical clarity. Starting right guard Steve Avila will miss the contest. It is a noteworthy outcome.
The Rams listed Avila as doubtful on their final injury report of the week. He missed the Rams’ Week 2 win over the Tennessee Titans.
The former second-round pick has missed nine games over the last two seasons.
Avila’s absence is not the only noteworthy item heading into this rematch of the 2024 NFC Divisional Playoffs between the Rams and Eagles.
The Rams announced Nick Hampton, Stetson Bennett, and DJ Humphries among their list of inactives for this NFC showdown against the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles. Philly, meanwhile, noted pass rusher Azeez Ojulari on their list of players not suiting up in Week 3.
Eagles Call Up Backup Duo to Face Rams
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on against the Tennessee Titans.
The Eagles made a pair of roster moves before game day against the Rams, elevating safety Marcus Epps and tight end Cameron Latu from the practice squad.
Epps was a sixth-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2019. He has also played for the Las Vegas Raiders and spent time with the New England Patriots. This is his second stint with the Eagles.
He has started 45 of his 84 career games played.
Latu was a third-round selection by the San Francisco 49ers in 2023. He also had a brief stint with the Cleveland Browns.
The Eagles announced they would have defensive tackles Byron Young (forehead laceration) and Jalen Carter (shoulder), as well as tight end Dallas Goedert (knee), for this game. They also ruled backup running back Will Shipley out with an oblique injury.
However, they waited until game day to rule backup QB Tanner McKee out.
With Jalen Hurts healthy and available for the Eagles, McKee’s status is a minor footnote for the Rams in this contest.
Rams TE Colby Parkinson Active for Week 3
GettyColby Parkinson #86 of the Los Angeles Rams runs with the ball after a reception against the Green Bay Packers.
The Rams got early word that Braden Fiske, who was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report with an oblique injury, would play against the Eagles. But Avila and tight end Colby Parkinson remained question marks heading into the game.
Parkinson’s status was expected to impact rookie second-round pick Terrance Ferguson and did, with the rookie among the Rams’ inactives. He has played a bit role over the first two weeks of the season. But the Rams also have veterans Tyler Higbee and backup Davis Allen.
I asked McVay about it last week:
Parkinson also missed the Rams’ Week 2 win over the Titans.
The Rams have playmakers at wide receiver in Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, and at running back with Kyren Williams. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will take advantage of whomever is on the field against the Eagles.
Rams’ Upcoming Schedule Tougher Than Anticipated
The Rams likely expect a tough matchup against the reigning champion Eagles, but their slate after that is a bit more daunting than anticipated coming into the season.
Specifically, the Indianapolis Colts have looked like a challenge with former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones at the helm. They are 2-0, and the Rams’ schedule only grows tougher with games against the 49ers and Baltimore Ravens coming up.
The Rams are off to a good start, with the Eagles their next challenge.
Win, lose, or draw this week against the Eagles, maintaining that level of performance throughout the season will prove tricky, but it is also the key for the Rams to achieve their goals.
Rams Make Critical Last-Minute Decision About Starter Before Kickoff vs Eagles