The Los Angeles Rams’ 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals brought a damaging new wave of injuries, with wide receiver Davante Adams expected to be sidelined for six to 10 weeks because of a hamstring injury.
Adams was hurt during Sunday’s defeat, which dropped Los Angeles to 2-4 and left the club at the bottom of the NFC West. The veteran receiver is expected to undergo a procedure to address the hamstring tendon, with the Rams aiming for a return near or shortly after their Week 11 bye.
The 33-year-old had been one of the Rams’ most productive offensive players through six games. Adams leads the team with 480 receiving yards on 30 catches and has scored four touchdowns. His 16.0 yards per reception would be the highest average of his career.
Rams lose more key contributors
Los Angeles also confirmed season-ending injuries for defensive tackle Poona Ford and kicker Blake Grupe. Ford suffered a ruptured triceps, while Grupe sustained a knee injury.
Defensive tackle Kobie Turner is being placed on injured reserve with a groin injury and will miss at least four games. Myles Garrett, who underwent knee surgery after the Rams’ Week 1 loss in Australia, will not resume practice this week.
Head coach Sean McVay said the immediate priority is supporting the injured players before reshaping the roster around their absences.
“You feel for the players first,” McVay said, describing them as important contributors. He added that the Rams must find the best way to move ahead without several critical pieces.
Offense must replace Adams’ production
Puka Nacua is positioned to take on an even larger workload after Adams’ injury. Nacua has a team-high 37 receptions despite missing two games earlier in the season.
The Rams can also lean more heavily on tight ends Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson. Rookie Terrance Ferguson could become another option later in the season, although he cannot be activated from injured reserve before Week 8.
Los Angeles has additional depth at wide receiver in Konata Mumpfield, Jordan Whittington and Tutu Atwell. Mumpfield showed what he can offer during one of Nacua’s absences, posting four receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown.
Defensive front faces a difficult adjustment
Ford and Turner’s injuries further thin a defensive front already waiting on Garrett’s return. Aaron Donald and Braden Fiske are likely to shoulder a greater burden, while Tyler Davis and Larrell Murchison could see expanded roles. Murchison has appeared in only one game this season.
The Rams now face a difficult climb in the division. Arizona holds the same 2-4 record but owns the tiebreaker, while the Seattle Seahawks are 3-3 and the San Francisco 49ers remain unbeaten.
McVay said his team has absorbed several setbacks already this year and must respond. “We’ve been hit a few times, but we have to rise and keep fighting,” he said. “It’s a real test for us.”
