The Los Angeles Rams have stumbled out of the gate, starting the 2024 NFL season with an 0-2 record. The early struggles are compounded by a slew of injuries to key players, creating a daunting uphill battle for head coach Sean McVay and his squad.
Injury Woes Hampering the Rams
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp is expected to miss an extended period due to a left ankle sprain. This injury is eerily reminiscent of the 2022 season, where Kupp suffered a similar ankle issue that required surgery, ending his season prematurely. In a blow to both offense and defense, guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III are also dealing with shoulder injuries, making them potential candidates for injured reserve. On this matter, McVay has already voiced his concern, stating, "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."
Challenges on the Offensive Line
The offensive line's instability has been a focal point in the Rams' early-season troubles. McVay didn't mince words when he stated, "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild." This disarray was glaringly evident in their recent loss to the Arizona Cardinals, where quarterback Matthew Stafford faced relentless pressure, being sacked five times and losing a fumble. Stafford's 216-yard passing performance was overshadowed by his 3.25-second average time to throw, the fifth-longest in the league for Week 2.
Notably, Stafford's recent performances have been a mixed bag, marred by injuries that sidelined him for the latter half of the 2022 season. He dealt with a spinal cord contusion and a concussion during that period, raising questions about his durability as the season progresses.
Defensive Struggles and Roster Depth
On the defensive front, the retirement of Aaron Donald has left a significant void. The Rams are now reliant on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, their first and second-round picks of 2024, to fill Donald's formidable shoes. The secondary is also feeling the pinch, with cornerbacks Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick residing on injured reserve.
The Rams' defensive unit, which had the fewest adjusted games lost due to injury last season, is now facing a starkly different reality. Sports analyst Frank Schwab noted the dramatic shift in their injury luck, contrasting last season's good fortune with a more challenging present. Schwab pointed out, "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."
An Uncertain Path Forward
As a franchise, the Rams are already grappling with historical precedent. No NFL team has ever started a season 0-3 and gone on to win the Super Bowl. With the team holding its first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks for the 2025 draft, along with additional sixth-round picks from the Falcons, Steelers, and Texans, the long-term picture holds some promise. However, immediate concerns overshadow future prospects.
The head coach has acknowledged the challenges, especially in terms of roster depth and injury management. "One tangible reason to worry about Rams regression is their injury luck last season," Schwab observed, indicating that the team’s current predicament is exacerbated by a reversal of their previous good fortune.
As Week 3 approaches, the Rams need to stabilize their offensive line and protect Stafford better. They must also harness their young defensive talent to mitigate the loss of key veterans. Despite the bleak start, the resolve and resilience of this team will be tested as they seek to turn the season around. The coming weeks will determine if the Rams can overcome their early adversity and make a push for the playoffs, or if injuries and instability will define their 2024 campaign.