Two weeks into the 2024 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves grappling with adversity, holding an 0-2 record. A series of injuries have compounded their early struggles, with notable absences and challenges casting a shadow over the team's prospects.
Injury Woes Plague Key Players
One of the significant blows to the Rams is the extended absence of star wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who is sidelined with a left ankle sprain. Kupp's injury is particularly concerning given his history; he sustained a similar ankle issue in 2022 that necessitated season-ending surgery. The prospect of coping without Kupp for an extended period is a daunting one, as he has been a pivotal part of the Rams' offensive engine.
The injuries don't stop there. Guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III are also nursing shoulder injuries, making them candidates for the injured reserve list. Addressing the depth chart's thinning ranks, head coach Sean McVay noted, "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." The trio's potential placement on injured reserve limits the Rams' flexibility in managing their roster as they head into crucial weeks.
Offensive Line Struggles
The Rams' offensive line has been another sore spot, with changes and instability contributing to their challenges. McVay openly highlighted the turbulence up front, stating, "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild." Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who threw for 216 yards in the loss against the Arizona Cardinals, felt the impact firsthand. Stafford was sacked five times, losing a fumble in one of those sacks. His average time to throw was 3.25 seconds in Week 2, the fifth-longest in the league for that week—a statistic that underscores the offensive line's issues in providing adequate protection.
Defensive Challenges and Key Losses
Defensively, the Rams are missing key pieces as well. The impact of Aaron Donald's retirement cannot be overstated, leaving a significant void in the defensive front seven. The team now leans on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, who were first and second-round picks in 2024. Additionally, corners Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick are on injured reserve, further depleting defensive resources.
The recent injury setbacks are a stark contrast to the Rams' relatively good fortune last season. Frank Schwab highlighted this in his analysis, stating, "The Rams' good fortune last season included the fourth-fewest injuries on offense and the fewest on defense." Last season, the Rams experienced a remarkable shift in their injury luck, going from a league-high 146.6 Adjusted Games Lost (AGL) in 2022 to just 26.4. Schwab remarked, "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." Despite this unpredictable element of injury luck, the Rams' regression in this area is a tangible concern.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The Rams' current 0-2 record places them in a precarious position. History doesn't favor teams that start the season 0-3, none of whom have ever gone on to win the Super Bowl. This statistic adds an extra layer of urgency to the Rams' efforts to regain their footing.
On the brighter side, the Rams hold a handful of valuable draft picks for 2025, including their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks, along with additional sixth-rounders from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. These future assets could play a crucial role in rebuilding and addressing their roster needs moving forward.
As the Rams navigate through early-season turbulence, the blend of injuries, offensive line issues, and defensive adjustments will test their resilience. The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but the Rams' ability to adapt and overcome will define their season.