The Los Angeles Rams were without star receiver Davante Adams in their Week 16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Will he be able to return to the lineup in Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons?
Adams is trying to work his way back from a hamstring injury to ready himself for the Rams’ postseason run. Los Angeles was eliminated from contention for the NFC West title and the conference’s No. 1 seed; however, the team seems unlikely to risk the 33-year-old’s health as it jockeys for a wild-card spot.
Here’s what to know about Adams’ status for the Rams’ Week 17 game and beyond as he deals with a dreaded soft-tissue injury.
Is Davante Adams playing tonight?
Adams is officially inactive for the Rams vs. Falcons game on ‘Monday Night Football in Week 17.
Adams’ absence is not a surprise. He wasn’t expected to play, as Los Angeles listed him as ‘doubtful’ on the team’s final injury report for Week 17 because of a hamstring injury.
Davante Adams injury update
Adams is dealing with a hamstring injury he originally suffered in the team’s Week 15 win over the Detroit Lions. The 33-year-old was unable to return to the field on ‘Thursday Night Football’ in Week 16 before being ruled ‘doubtful’ for Week 17.
Rams coach Sean McVay told reporters throughout the week that Adams is progressing well in his recovery from the injury.
‘He’s doing great. He’s making really good progress,’ McVay said of Adams at a Dec. 27 media availability. ‘I know he’s chomping at the bit to get back out there.’
Despite McVay’s positive prognosis, Adams was unable to practice in the lead-up to the Rams’ ‘Monday Night Football’ game against the Falcons. He was a non-participant at each of Los Angeles’ three listed practice sessions and isn’t expected to take the field in Week 17.
Nonetheless, McVay didn’t seem worried about Adams’ injury lingering in the playoffs.
‘We’ll be in good shape when we get him back, whether that’s this week or next week with the playoffs,’ McVay said.
The Rams have little incentive to rush Adams back into action, as they are guaranteed to be either the No. 5 or 6 seed in the NFC playoff field after being eliminated from the NFC West race by the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers’ Week 17 wins.
That should afford the 33-year-old a couple of extra weeks to heal before the Rams look to mount a Super Bowl 60 run.
Rams WR depth chart
The Rams have six wide receivers on their 53-man roster, including Adams. They are:
Puka Nacua
Davante Adams (injured)
Jordan Whittington
Konata Mumpfield
Tutu Atwell
Xavier Smith
Nacua has been the team’s primary target all season, logging 114 catches for 1,592 receiving yards and eight touchdowns over the first 16 weeks of the season, while Whittington and Mumpfield figure to see extra action across from him with Adams out of action.
The Rams also have Tru Edwards, Brennan Presley and Tyler Scott on the team’s practice squad, so they aren’t lacking for depth at the position.