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The Los Angeles Rams' challenging season took another hit on Monday when head coach Sean McVay announced that star wide receiver Davante Adams suffered a ruptured hamstring and will be sidelined for six to 10 weeks. The injury occurred late in the team's home loss to the Arizona Cardinals, dropping the Rams to 2-4 on the year.
Los Angeles entered the season as Super Bowl favorites but has struggled through six weeks, now sitting at the bottom of the NFC West. With Adams out for a significant portion of the remaining schedule, the Rams must find a way to compensate for the loss of their top playmaker.
Receiver Depth Chart Thin Behind Nacua
Without Adams, the Rams' wide receiver room consists of Puka Nacua, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell, CJ Daniels, and Alex Bachman. Nacua has been the standout, recording 37 catches for 417 yards and a touchdown. However, production drops off sharply after him: Mumpfield, a 2025 seventh-round pick, has eight receptions for 127 yards; Whittington has two catches for 12 yards; Atwell, reacquired this offseason, has three receptions for 31 yards; and Daniels and Bachman have yet to record a catch, with Bachman primarily contributing on special teams.
The Rams' decision to use the No. 13 overall pick on quarterback Ty Simpson rather than adding receiver or offensive line help is now under scrutiny. To compensate, the team may lean on its deep tight end group—Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, Davis Allen, and rookie Max Klare—and continue utilizing 13 personnel (one running back, three tight ends, one receiver), a formation they use at the highest rate in the league (30.98%). According to Sumer Sports, the Rams' passing attack has been effective in 13 personnel, generating 0.39 EPA per pass. Ferguson, one of the top pass catchers, has been on injured reserve with an ankle injury but could return to boost the offense.
Trade Market Offers Potential Solutions
With the Nov. 10 trade deadline approaching, the Rams could explore acquiring a receiver via trade. Potential targets include Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars), Jerry Jeudy (Browns), Quentin Johnston (Chargers), Jauan Jennings (Vikings), Rashod Bateman (Ravens), and Calvin Ridley (Titans). The Rams have familiarity with the Browns' front office from the Myles Garrett trade and know Jaguars general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen from their time in Los Angeles, which could facilitate negotiations. However, the Rams lack a first-round pick in 2027 and a second-round pick in 2028 due to the Garrett trade, limiting their trade capital. The team may be reluctant to mortgage more of its future, especially given the current season's trajectory.
Adams' Absence Could Sting in Red Zone and Downfield
Since joining the Rams in 2025 as the No. 2 receiver, Adams has been a key red-zone threat, helping quarterback Matthew Stafford lead the league in passing touchdowns. When Adams missed the final three games of the 2025 campaign, the Rams converted just 6 of 13 red-zone trips into touchdowns, well below their season average of 64.37%. His absence also affects the downfield passing attack: Stafford's deep passing percentage has dropped from sixth in 2025 (12.6%) to 22nd in 2026 (8.4%), according to Next Gen Stats. Adams has averaged 14.8 air yards per target this season, compared to Nacua's 9.5. The return of Ferguson, who averaged 17.6 air yards per target in 2025, could help mitigate the loss.