Rams hope Kinchens can return as Watson and Ferguson face Week 4 absences

Sean McVay said Tuesday that the Rams are hopeful safety Kamren Kinchens can return from a hamstring injury for Sunday's game against the Eagles. Kinchens has missed the past two games, and the coach's optimism remains conditional on his progress through the week.

Rams staff writer Stu Jackson relayed the update from The Coach McVay Show. It is an encouraging assessment, not a declaration that Kinchens has been cleared to play.

The possible return comes as Los Angeles deals with another absence in the secondary. McVay said Monday that cornerback Jaylen Watson would probably miss the Philadelphia game after dislocating his shoulder against Denver. The coach said the Rams had not discussed putting Watson on injured reserve and would examine whether strengthening and a harness could help him return.

Kinchens last played in the season opener against San Francisco. Rams Wire's Tuesday report noted that he recorded nine tackles in that game before missing Weeks 2 and 3. His 2025 season included 84 tackles, six passes defended and two interceptions, providing context for the experience Los Angeles would regain if he returns.

The offense also has unresolved availability questions. Tight end Terrance Ferguson sustained a medial ankle sprain against Denver and is likely to miss the Eagles game, McVay said in the team's Monday report. Fellow tight end Colby Parkinson suffered an AC sprain in his shoulder. His Week 4 status remained undetermined; McVay said his existing knee injury had not suffered a setback.

At receiver, the coach remained hopeful Puka Nacua could play. Nacua has missed two games with an issue listed as a hip injury, which McVay later described as groin soreness. The coach tied his optimism to Nacua continuing to progress.

Those assessments leave different levels of certainty across the roster: possible returns for Kinchens and Nacua, likely absences for Watson and Ferguson, and an unsettled outlook for Parkinson. Wednesday's practice information and the final game-status report will provide the next availability evidence. Tuesday's hopeful update should not be treated as a guarantee of an active safety or receiver on Sunday.