The Los Angeles Rams have hit a rough patch early in the 2024 NFL season, starting 0-2 amidst a storm of injuries and uncertainties. This challenging stretch was accentuated by their recent loss to the Arizona Cardinals, where quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 216 yards but was sacked five times and fumbled once. These struggles on the field are paralleled by significant off-field concerns, primarily a slew of injuries impacting key players.
Injury Woes Hit Hard
One of the most notable absences is wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who is set to miss an extended period due to a left ankle sprain. This injury is especially concerning given Kupp’s history—he suffered a similar ankle injury in 2022 that required season-ending surgery. Alongside Kupp, guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III are also nursing shoulder injuries. Head coach Sean McVay has suggested that all three could be candidates for injured reserve, exacerbating the Rams' predicament. "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 noted.
Offensive Line Struggles
Beyond the injuries to skill positions, the Rams’ offensive line has been a glaring issue. McVay has highlighted the inconsistency and instability along the front five, stating, "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild." Stafford's average time to throw in Week 2 was 3.25 seconds, the fifth-longest in the league, underscoring the protection problems he faces. These woes are not new; Stafford endured a season-ending spinal cord contusion and concussion in the latter half of 2022, further emphasizing the need for a solid offensive line to protect their franchise quarterback.
Defensive Shifts and Challenges
On the defensive side, the Rams are adapting to life without Aaron Donald, who has retired, leaving a significant void in the defensive front seven. The team is now leaning on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, their first and second-round picks in 2024, to step up. Compounding the issue are the injuries to corners Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick, both of whom are currently on injured reserve.
Last season, the Rams enjoyed good fortune with injuries, having the fourth-fewest injuries on offense and the fewest on defense. Frank Schwab observed, "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." This dramatic swing in injury luck seems to have regressed, reminiscent of their injury-plagued 2022 season when they finished second in adjusted games lost due to injury. "One tangible reason to worry about Rams regression is their injury luck last season," Schwab added, alluding to the unpredictable nature of team health.
Draft Capital and Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the Rams possess their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks for the 2025 draft, along with additional sixth-round picks from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. This array of draft capital provides them some hope for rebuilding and reinforcing their roster. However, an 0-3 start could spell doom for postseason aspirations; historically, no NFL team starting a year 0-3 has ever won a Super Bowl, placing immense pressure on the Rams to turn the tide quickly.
As the Rams navigate these choppy waters, the team and fans alike will be holding their breath, hoping for a swift return to form both in terms of health and on-field performance. The path forward demands resilience, strategic adjustments, and perhaps a bit of the good fortune that smiled on them last season. For now, the Rams face a critical juncture that could define not just their season, but the direction of the franchise moving forward.