Davante Adams is expected to miss six to 10 weeks with a hamstring injury, leaving the Los Angeles Rams without a leading weapon after a 2-4 start.
Coach Sean McVay announced the projected absence Monday after Adams was injured against Arizona. The Rams now face several lineup changes before their trip to Las Vegas.
The Associated Press reported that Adams appeared to get hurt on a noncontact play late in Sunday’s 18-16 defeat, pulling up before heading toward the sideline.
Adams has 30 catches for 480 yards and four touchdowns this season. His absence removes established production from an offense already trying to reverse its early struggles.
The 33-year-old also missed three regular-season games last year with a hamstring injury before returning for the playoffs. This latest assessment provides no confirmed date for his return.
McVay emphasized that replacing Adams would require adjustments rather than asking someone else to duplicate his contributions. The response will involve decisions about personnel and target distribution.
That puts the receiving depth behind Adams and Puka Nacua under greater scrutiny. Konata Mumpfield has eight catches for 127 yards, third among Rams wide receivers this season.
The numbers illustrate the challenge facing quarterback Matthew Stafford: Los Angeles must find additional contributions from players whose receiving roles have been smaller through the opening six games.
NFL.com’s injury breakdown identified Nacua, the team leader with 37 receptions, and tight ends Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson as options to help absorb the workload.
Jordan Whittington and Tutu Atwell offer additional choices at receiver. Tight end Terrance Ferguson cannot provide immediate help because he is ineligible to leave injured reserve until Week 8.
The setbacks also extend to the defensive front. Poona Ford will miss the rest of the season with a ruptured triceps, removing another veteran from the lineup.
Fellow defensive tackle Kobie Turner is headed to injured reserve because of a groin injury. That means Los Angeles must adjust to losing two interior contributors together.
Myles Garrett will not begin practicing this week as he continues recovering from knee surgery. His ongoing absence adds to the pressure on the remaining defensive personnel.
Special teams also need attention after Blake Grupe suffered a season-ending knee injury while attempting a tackle on kickoff coverage. The Rams must find another kicker before Sunday.
The Raiders matchup arrives with Los Angeles having lost three of its past four games. Preparation now requires changes across the passing offense, defensive line and kicking game.
For McVay, the immediate task is assembling a workable lineup while supporting the injured players. Adams’ projected recovery remains an estimate as the Rams plan for his absence.
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