Brown & Smith Out for Eagles vs. Buccaneers

The Philadelphia Eagles will face significant challenges at wide receiver this Sunday, as both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have been ruled out for the matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brown has been sidelined for the past two games with a lingering hamstring injury, while Smith will miss his first game of the season after suffering a concussion from a hard hit last week. Without their top two receivers, Philadelphia is expected to lean heavily on running back Saquon Barkley and tight end Dallas Goedert.

Goedert delivered a standout performance last week, coming through with key plays when it mattered most. His 10 receptions for 170 yards were instrumental in the Eagles' victory. Barkley, meanwhile, has been a force all season, living up to his big contract. In last week’s game against New Orleans, he rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns on just 17 carries, while also adding four receptions. Barkley's performance brought his season totals to 351 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 63 carries, with an impressive average of 117 yards per game.

In Brown and Smith's absence, newly acquired wide receiver Jahan Dotson will be thrust into the spotlight. Acquired from the Commanders before the season, Dotson has yet to see significant action as the third option in the Eagles' receiving corps. Now, as the top target, his role will expand, and his target share is expected to increase dramatically.

This depleted Eagles offense will face a tough challenge against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense, which has been solid through the first three weeks of the season. Tampa Bay, currently 2-1, is coming off a close loss to Bo Nix and the Broncos but has the talent to win in high-pressure situations. It’s worth remembering that last season, Baker Mayfield and the Bucs stunned Philadelphia by knocking them out of the playoffs. The Eagles will need a complete team effort to secure a win this time around, and fans should expect an exciting game on Sunday’s slate.