Two weeks into the 2024 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves in disarray with an 0-2 record, with several critical injuries exacerbating the situation. A notable absence from their lineup is wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who is sidelined for an extended period due to a left ankle sprain. This injury is reminiscent of a similar ailment he suffered in 2022, which ultimately required season-ending surgery.
In addition to Kupp, guard Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III are also nursing shoulder injuries. Head coach Sean McVay has intimated that all three injured players—Kupp, Jackson, and Johnson—are potential candidates for injured reserve. McVay expressed his frustration, noting, "The amount of moving parts that we've had offensive line-wise has been wild."
The offensive line's instability has not gone unnoticed. Quarterback Matthew Stafford struggled under pressure in the Rams' recent loss to the Arizona Cardinals, throwing for 216 yards while being sacked five times and losing a fumble. Stafford's average time to release the ball in Week 2 was 3.25 seconds, the fifth-longest in the league for that week, further highlighting the offensive line's issues.
Stafford's health is another looming concern for the Rams. He missed the latter half of the 2022 season due to a spinal cord contusion and concussion, underscoring the precariousness of the team's reliance on him. McVay acknowledged the challenges, 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."
The Rams' defensive front has also taken a hit with the retirement of star defensive tackle Aaron Donald. In his absence, the defense now relies heavily on rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, first and second-round picks in 2024, to step up. Their progress will be crucial as corners Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick are currently on injured reserve, further thinning the defensive ranks.
Last season, the Rams enjoyed remarkable health, with the fewest adjusted games lost (AGL) due to injury across the league, a stark contrast to their situation in 2022 when they finished second in adjusted games lost. Analyst Frank Schwab remarked, "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." He added, "One tangible reason to worry about Rams regression is their injury luck last season."
The Rams currently hold their own first, third, fourth, and sixth-round picks for the 2025 draft, along with additional sixth-round picks acquired from the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. This draft capital could prove valuable as the Rams navigate their current challenges and plan for the future.
An ominous statistic looms over the Rams' 0-2 start: no team in NFL history has ever won a Super Bowl after starting the season 0-3. The pressure is on for the team to turn their fortunes around quickly, even as they face significant adversity from injuries and roster instability. Coach McVay and his staff have their work cut out for them, needing to find solutions to keep the team competitive and avoid a slide into a lost season.