The Los Angeles Rams are already facing turbulence two weeks into the 2024 NFL season, grappling with a string of injuries and a worrying 0-2 record. Head coach Sean McVay is navigating a complex landscape as key players become sidelined, leaving the team stretched thin in critical areas.
Injury Woes
Star wide receiver Cooper Kupp's left ankle sprain has sidelined him for an extended period. This isn't Kupp's first brush with significant injury; he endured a similar ankle issue in 2022 that necessitated season-ending surgery. Adding to the Rams' injury woes are guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III, both of whom are dealing with shoulder injuries.
"We're kind of running out of those [injured reserve] spots and we're only into Week 3 in terms of the return to play, but that is a possibility for all of those guys," McVay stated, highlighting the harsh reality the team faces.
Offensive Line Troubles
Compounding the Rams' problems are issues with the offensive line. "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild," McVay remarked, emphasizing the instability that has plagued the team's pass protection.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford has been feeling the brunt of these struggles. In their recent loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Stafford was sacked five times and managed to throw for 216 yards. Unfortunately, he also lost a fumble, further highlighting the team's offensive line deficiencies. With an average time to throw of 3.25 seconds in Week 2—ranking as the fifth-longest in the league for the week—Stafford's challenges are apparent.
It's worth noting that Stafford is not unfamiliar with injury complications himself. He missed the latter half of the 2022 season due to a spinal cord contusion and concussion, adding another layer of concern for the Rams.
A Defensive Challenge
The defensive front is also missing a critical figure with Aaron Donald's retirement. The onus now falls on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, the team's first and second-round picks in the 2024 draft. The Rams' reliance on these unproven talents adds another dimension of uncertainty to their season outlook.
As if the injury list wasn't already concerning, the Rams have placed corners Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick on injured reserve. This significantly hampers their secondary at a time when defensive solidity is paramount.
A Stark Contrast
The Rams' misfortune this season stands in stark contrast to their relatively healthy campaign last year. "The Rams' good fortune last season included the fourth-fewest injuries on offense and the fewest on defense," pointed out Frank Schwab, capturing the dramatic shift. "In 2022 they dealt with numerous injuries and finished second in adjusted games lost due to injury," he added, reiterating the unpredictable nature of injury luck.
The ups and downs of injury impact are further highlighted by Schwab’s observation: "It went from 146.6 AGL in 2022 to 26.4 last season, which is an incredible shift and shows how injury luck often has no rhyme or reason."
Draft Prospects
Looking forward, the Rams hold their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks for the 2025 draft. They also possess additional sixth-round picks from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans, positioning them well for roster reinforcements. However, it's clear that immediate solutions are needed to halt their current downward spiral.
No NFL team starting a year 0-3 has ever won a Super Bowl, a stark reminder of the urgency facing McVay and his squad. The Rams' challenge is compounded by their current roster instability and the grueling demands of the NFL season. Only time will tell if they can muster the resilience to overcome these early setbacks.