Sean McVay recently revealed defensive end Braden Fiske is questionable ahead of the trip to face the Eagles. Then came another hit. Nick Hampton was ruled out due to illness, trimming the Rams’ defensive depth even further. However, there was finally a bit of daylight.

Just now, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport provided the update fans in Ram Nation wanted to hear. “#Rams DE Braden Fiske, who is questionable with an oblique injury, will play today against the #Eagles, per me and @MikeGarafolo,” he posted on X. That alone shifted the tone heading into a crucial matchup. But what happened to Fiske?

Fiske tweaked his oblique during warmups in Week 2 against Tennessee. However, he managed to get on the field in limited fashion during Friday’s practice. It seems that’s enough for McVay and the medical staff to green-light him. Still, don’t expect a full workload. A snap count is likely, with his final status set right before the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff in Philly.

Meanwhile, Hampton remains out. The outside linebacker hasn’t been a starter but has given L.A. needed rotation minutes. One tackle this season, eight total in his young career, may not sound like much. But with a defense already thin, everybody counts. LB Keir Thomas is on injury reserve for the entire 2025 season due to an undisclosed injury. And yes, CB Ahkello Witherspoon is also out with a collarbone injury and put on injured reserve.

So now the challenge rests with Sean McVay. He heads into the City of Brotherly Love with a shorthanded crew, trying to patch together a front that must deal with one of the nastiest offensive lines in football.

Sean McVay might have a Nick Hampton replacement at home

Fans are already buzzing for the NFC Divisional round rematch. Last season, Philly slipped past the Rams 28-22 in a snow-soaked thriller. Since then, the Rams have added Davante Adams, giving this budding rivalry a new flavor. But while Adams draws headlines, another newcomer is quietly becoming L.A.’s X-factor for Sunday’s clash against the Eagles. And he can even become a key piece amid the growing injuries list.

Who are we taking about? Linebacker Nate Landman, who is carving out a major role for Sean McVay and the Rams. He forced the game-sealing fumble that beat the Houston Texans and followed it up with eight tackles in the Week 2 win over the Tennessee Titans.

He’s exactly the kind of addition L.A. needed to counter teams like the Eagles in 2025. With Hampton listed as questionable, Landman is expected to lead a short-handed linebacker group.

Can he handle the pressure and get the job done for Sean McVay and the Rams? What’s your thoughts on it?