Just five weeks before the start of what appears to be a challenging schedule to start the regular season, the Los Angeles Rams are dealing with yet another injury.
Rams supporters witnessed last year just how long injuries can linger into the start of a campaign, despite the fact that ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s source described wideout Puka Nacua’s ailment “not significant.”
Cooper Kupp, Nacua’s teammate and the 2021 AP Offensive Player of the Year, had a hamstring injury last summer that prevented him from playing in the first four games of 2023.
In Kupp’s absence, Nacua made a significant impact by soaking up the targets and starting his NFL career with 39 receptions for 501 yards and one touchdown on 52 looks over the course of the four games.
However, Los Angeles had a 2-2 start when Kupp was recalled from injured reserve prior to Week 5
At the end of the previous campaign, Nacua set new rookie records for receiving yards (1,486) and receptions (105) in a single season. He was the runner-up for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, a Pro Bowl player, and a member of the second team All-Pro.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford’s offence may be seriously depleted heading into Week 1 of the season, depending on how the remainder of training camp plays out.
Three of Los Angeles’ five starting offensive line players are reportedly out of commission at the moment, per an ESPN report.
Joint status for left guard Jonah Jackson and right tackle Rob Havenstein is week-to-week due to shoulder and ankle injuries, respectively. Alaric Jackson, the left tackle, is also sidelined with an ankle problem.
On defence, Darious Williams, the anticipated starting cornerback, is recuperating from a strained hamstring.
On Sunday, the Rams play the Dallas Cowboys in the first of their three preseason games. Los Angeles’ first four regular-season games are on the road, starting on September 8 with a “Sunday Night Football” matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 1.
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