Eagles LB Zack Baun likely out vs. Rams while in concussion protocol

Eagles linebacker Zack Baun is out for Sunday's game against the Rams. Baun must practice to progress through the concussion protocol, and with him not practicing today, it basically ends that.

Because Baun isn't practicing, he can't advance in the protocol, which makes him unavailable for the matchup. His absence is a real blow to the middle of the Philadelphia defense — Baun has been a central figure in the Eagles' front seven.

The same report had wide receiver DeVonta Smith not practicing, as expected, after being listed as questionable. Smith's status has been murky this week, and the Eagles will likely be without their top target, leaving Jalen Hurts with a thinner receiving corps against a Rams defense that got Puka Nacua back.

The developments continue a difficult week for Philadelphia's availability picture, though the team remains hopeful about the bigger-picture roster around both players.