Makai Lemon Will See Increased Targets in Week 4
The Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver is expected to take on a larger role following an injury to DeVonta Smith.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Football
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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon is set to see an increased target share during the Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 5, 2026. This shift follows the official ruling that DeVonta Smith will be unavailable due to a hamstring injury.
Why it matters
With key personnel sidelined, Lemon must step into a more prominent offensive role to maintain the team's production. His ability to execute in the screen game will be central to the team's offensive strategy for the upcoming matchup.
In three appearances this season, Makai Lemon has recorded seven catches on nine targets for a total of 38 receiving yards. He primarily operates as a screen game option for the Philadelphia offense.
The players
Makai Lemon
He is a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles who is transitioning into a larger role within the team's offensive rotation.
DeVonta Smith
He is a key wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles who has been ruled out of the Week 4 game with a hamstring injury.
Sean Mannion
He serves as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles and is responsible for designing the team's game plans.
The details
Makai Lemon moves into the offensive position previously held by Dontayvion Wicks to serve as the team's third option. Offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is expected to rely on Lemon as the focal point of the screen game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Timeline
The Eagles struggled with screen plays against the Bears during Week 3.
The Philadelphia Eagles play against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4.
Season Trajectory
This adjustment forces an immediate change in the Philadelphia Eagles' passing attack and reshapes the team's depth chart during a critical week. It remains to be seen if Lemon's increased involvement will stabilize the offense or if the team must rely more heavily on its ground game.
Fantasy football managers should note that Lemon is moving into a primary screen role, making him a potential value play in PPR formats. His increased target share directly replaces the volume previously occupied by DeVonta Smith.
The takeaway
The elevation of a depth receiver underscores the necessity for coaching staffs to have versatile bench options ready for sudden roster changes. Readers monitoring the team's performance should focus on the success of the screen game as a bellwether for the new offensive scheme.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit the Philadelphia Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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