The Los Angeles Rams can breathe a sigh of relief heading into their game against the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. The Rams will have at least one of their key starters who were in question as of their last injury report.
Second-year defensive lineman Braden Fiske has not missed any time this season, but was listed as “questionable” on Friday.
However, it appears Fiske will play in his 20th consecutive regular season contest in Week 3.
Rams DE Braden Fiske Expected to Play vs Eagles
GettyByron Young #0 celebrates with Braden Fiske #55 of the Los Angeles Rams against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Rams selected Fiske with the No. 39 overall pick of the 2024 draft. He finished his rookie season as the team leader with 8.5 sacks. That bested top pick and No. 19 overall pick Jared Verse, who won Defensive Rookie of the Year and earned Pro Bowl honors.
Notably, Fiske has logged a 40% snap share this season, down from his 59% mark in 2024, per Pro Football Reference.
It remains to be seen if his snaps are reduced even more as he navigates his injury.
“#Rams DE Braden Fiske, who is questionable with an oblique injury, will play today against the #Eagles, per me and @MikeGarafolo,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported in a post on X on September 20.
Fiske has yet to record a sack this season. Still, his absence would certainly have been felt against a quality offensive line like the Eagles.’ It is arguably the best in the NFL.
Rams on Notice About Eagles RB Saquon Barkley
GettySaquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles smiles during the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Fiske’s presence figures to be critical if the Rams plan on slowing down Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. They have had significant issues doing so.
“Of his 98 career games between the regular season and playoffs, his two best rushing performances have come against the same team in the same season,” The Athletic’s Nate Atkins wrote on September 19.
That team is the Rams, who rank 17th against the run through two weeks.
Barkley’s 7.7 yards per carry mark against the Rams is his second-highest against any team in his career, behind only the New York Giants. Fiske and Verse’s improved run defense could help.
Changing that and other trends will be imperative for the Rams against the Eagles.
“You don’t have to remind Los Angeles what he’s capable of,” Atkins wrote. “This week is an opportunity for the Rams to show they have grown and that they belong. They finished 11-8 last season, with a quarter of their losses to the Eagles. In his coaching career, [Rams head coach Sean] McVay is 1-5 against the Eagles and 89-52 against everyone else.”
However, the Rams’ depth took a hit on Saturday.
Rams’ Depth Takes Hit Before Facing Eagles
GettyNick Hampton #31 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on before a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Rams had a late addition to the injury report before the Eagles game, listing reserve outside linebacker Nick Hampton. He has logged most of his snaps on special teams so far this season, but he does rotate in on defense.
Verse and Byron Young are ready to man the top line at OLB. But keeping a fresh front also figures to be key against the Eagles.
His 43.5% pass rush win rate is 2nd in the NFL, behind only Myles Garrett 🤯
The Rams are also awaiting final word on several other players.
Fiske may be in for the Rams, but starting left guard Steve Avila is doubtful for the contest. Backup tight end Colby Parkinson is listed as “questionable,” just like Fiske was. Perhaps he will end up with a similar final designation and suit up for the Rams against the Eagles.
Rams Get Good News After Reminder About Eagles RB Saquon Barkley