The Los Angeles Rams are grappling with significant injury concerns as they prepare for their upcoming match against the Atlanta Falcons on March 8, 2024. Wide receiver Davante Adams is listed as doubtful due to a hamstring injury, while left tackle Alaric Jackson and defensive end Braden Fiske are both questionable for the Week 17 game.
Head coach Sean McVay confirmed that Adams, who has been a standout this season with an NFL-leading 14 touchdowns through the first 14 games, is likely to miss his second consecutive game. Adams has not practiced since sustaining his injury against the Detroit Lions in Week 15.
“He’s doing great, he’s making really good progress,” McVay said. “I know he’s chomping at the bit to be able to get back out there.” Despite his absence, McVay praised Adams for his leadership on the sidelines during the Rams’ recent games.
Jackson suffered a knee injury in last week’s overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks, during which he was seen entering the injury tent multiple times. He was limited in practice on Saturday but has not been ruled out for the Falcons game. “The good thing is that we do have time on our side, so optimistic that he’ll be ready to go,” McVay noted. Should Jackson be unable to play, D.J. Humphries is expected to step in at left tackle.
Fiske is also battling an ankle injury. McVay refrained from making definitive predictions regarding either player’s participation but emphasized the Rams’ commitment to using the available time to assess their readiness.
In addition to Adams, Jackson, and Fiske, the Rams will be without right guard Kevin Dotson and defensive back Josh Wallace, both of whom were ruled out due to ankle injuries. McVay mentioned that Wallace did not progress as expected, prompting the team to hold him out for the game against the Falcons. Wallace has been contributing at nickel corner during Quentin Lake’s stint on injured reserve.
Despite these setbacks, the Rams are anticipating the elevation of cornerback Roger McCreary from injured reserve. Acquired from the Tennessee Titans in a mid-season trade, McCreary is expected to bolster the team’s depth at cornerback. “We’re excited to see what he can do,” said Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula regarding McCreary’s potential impact.
McVay also highlighted Derion Kendrick as a player who could provide additional support in Wallace’s absence. As the Rams (11-4) prepare to face the Falcons (6-9), the outcome of this game could significantly influence their playoff positioning.
The team is approaching the match with a resilient attitude, ready to adapt to the challenges posed by injuries. As they continue to evaluate their roster, the Rams remain focused on maintaining their momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
