Two weeks into the 2024 NFL season and the Los Angeles Rams find themselves on fragile ground. With an 0-2 record, the team's early struggles are compounded by a mounting injury list that threatens to derail their season prospects before they even begin to stabilize.
Injury Woes
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp's left ankle sprain is at the forefront of the Rams' injury concerns. Kupp, who had previously suffered a similar injury in 2022 requiring season-ending surgery, will miss an extended period of time. The absence of one of their most talented offensive weapons is a significant blow to the Rams’ aspirations.
The injuries don’t stop at Kupp. Guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III are also nursing shoulder issues, making them potential candidates for injured reserve. The reality of the situation was starkly summed up by head coach Sean McVay: "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."
Offensive Line Troubles
It's clear the Rams' offense is stumbling, and the problems are rooted much deeper than their 0-2 start. The offensive line has been a revolving door, a challenge acknowledged by McVay. "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild," he stated. This instability directly impacts Matthew Stafford, who threw for 216 yards in their recent loss against the Arizona Cardinals, a game where he was sacked five times and lost a fumble.
Stafford's struggle is symptomatic of a broader issue. With an average time to throw of 3.25 seconds in Week 2—the fifth-longest in the league—it's evident that the offensive line isn't providing the protection necessary for sustained offensive success. This brings back memories of Stafford's previous injuries, including a spinal cord contusion and concussion that sidelined him in the latter half of the 2022 season.
Defensive Concerns
Defensively, the Rams are wrestling with changes following the retirement of Aaron Donald. The absence of their defensive stalwart has placed additional pressure on rookies like Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, who were first and second-round picks this year. The secondary is also hurting, with corners Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick on injured reserve.
The situation surrounding injuries is a stark shift from last season’s fortune. Frank Schwab pointed out, "The Rams' good fortune last season included the fourth-fewest injuries on offense and the fewest on defense." This was a significant improvement from 2022, where the team dealt with the second-highest adjusted games lost due to injury. "It went from 146.6 AGL in 2022 to 26.4 last season, which is an incredible shift," Schwab added, noting how unpredictable injury trends can be.
Draft Prospects and Historical Precedents
Looking ahead to potential silver linings, the Rams hold their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks for the 2025 draft, in addition to multiple sixth-rounders from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. These draft picks could prove crucial in rebuilding and addressing the depth issues that have been laid bare early this season.
However, history offers a grim reminder of the challenge ahead. No NFL team that has started a season 0-3 has ever gone on to win the Super Bowl. This statistic looms large as the Rams approach their third game, knowing that they must quickly turn things around to keep their postseason hopes alive.
The Road Ahead
The challenges for the Los Angeles Rams are multifaceted, involving injury management, offensive line consistency, and integrating new and inexperienced players into critical roles. As McVay and his team grapple with these issues, their ability to adapt and overcome will be tested in the weeks to come.
In a league where fortunes can change overnight and injury luck can swing dramatically, the Rams are in desperate need of a break—even a fortunate one—to keep their season from spiraling further into uncertainty.