Apex Scores Lite Apex Scores Lite flag
back Back
With NFL’s toughest schedule looming, Rams quiet at trade deadline as rivals make deals
Rams coach Sean McVay walks along the sideline during a win over the Chargers on Nov. 1.
  • The injury-riddled Rams stayed quiet at the NFL trade deadline after making blockbuster trades during the offseason.
  • With key injuries threatening to undermine their efforts to win the Super Bowl, the Rams will need to beat NFC West rivals that bolstered their rosters ahead of the trade deadline.

High-profile trades before the season showed their fans and the rest of the NFL that with Super Bowl LXI to be played at SoFi Stadium the Rams were unquestionably all-in.

But as the league’s trade deadline came and went Tuesday, the injury-ravaged Rams made only one minor move, essentially saying we’ll handle this all internally.

While the NFC West-leading San Francisco 49ers added veteran receiver Keenan Allen, the Rams — with Davante Adams on injured reserve and Puka Nacua expected to be sidelined for an extended period — brought back receiver Xavier Smith, who they released in October.

That is a far cry from moves the Rams made in previous Super Bowl seasons. In 2018, they traded for edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. In 2021, they signed free-agent receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and traded for edge rusher Von Miller.

Coach Sean McVay indicated during the last few weeks that the Rams were unlikely to be active at the trade deadline.

But that was before last Sunday, when Nacua suffered knee and toe injuries that are expected to sideline the All-Pro for several weeks. The Rams were already thin at receiver after Adams suffered a hamstring injury that has kept him out of the lineup since Week 7.

“You have to look at all avenues to try to be able to solve some of the issues or situations or scenarios that have come up,” McVay said Monday when asked if the Rams might pursue a receiver. “A lot of new things occur on a daily basis, so I would never rule it out.”

Allen and Josh Downs of the Indianapolis Colts and Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars were thought to be potential targets for the Rams.

Rams general manager Les Snead stands on the field at SoFi Stadium before a game against the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 12.

But the Jaguars ultimately took Thomas off the market. The 49ers, with receiver depth problems of their own, added Allen, and the Kansas City Chiefs traded for Downs.

The 49ers’ move came after they had already traded for defensive lineman DeForest Buckner ahead of the deadline. And the defending Super-Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks had bolstered their roster by trading for All-Pro offensive lineman Quenton Nelson.

Barring the Rams signing a free agent — the Vikings released Beckham after the deadline and signed him to their practice squad — they will go into Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals with a receiver corps that includes Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell, rookie CJ Daniels and Smith. The Rams re-signed Smith from the 49ers practice squad after placing Jordan Whittington on injured reserve.

The Rams are 5-4 and have won three games in a row.

But according to ESPN, the Rams have the league’s toughest remaining schedule.

After playing at the Cardinals, the Rams will have what is essentially a mini-bye before playing the Green Bay Packers at SoFi Stadium on the night before Thanksgiving.

Then they play the Kansas City Chiefs, at the 49ers, the Dallas Cowboys, and games against the Seahawks sandwiched around a game at Tampa Bay.

Defensive lineman Kobie Turner is expected to return against the Packers, and Adams, Nacua, tight end Terrance Ferguson and offensive lineman Steve Avila will be available at some point.

But whether the Rams can remain in contention for a playoff spot is the all-encompassing question.

You may like

Cardinals rookie Carson Beck will make first NFL start against Rams

inquisitr.com 2 hours ago

Joe Montana Interview Series: Why Hall of Famer Would Thrive in Today's NFL

si.com 2 hours ago

Chargers make roster moves, sign pair of cornerbacks to practice squad

aol.com 1 hour ago

Packers-Vikings Wednesday Injury Report: Huge List Filled With Big Names

si.com 28 minutes ago

Struggling Panthers could get 5 starters, 4 reserves back from injuries in the coming weeks

foxsports.com 3 hours ago

NFL Week 10 injury report: Mike Evans still not practicing, Puka Nacua facing multi-week absence

cbssports.com 42 minutes ago

3 Eagles Coaches' Jobs Should Be in Jeopardy During the Bye Week

si.com 1 hour ago

Kenyon Sadiq Needs to Be Jets' X-Factor to Help Upset the Bills in Week 10

si.com 2 hours ago

Former Giants coach defends star player Malik Nabers against character questions from broadcast a...

foxnews.com 40 minutes ago

Ex-Husky Keleki Latu Has His Monday Night Football Moment

si.com 3 hours ago