Getty Image / Brandon Sloter
Expectations were pretty high for the Los Angeles Rams after a strong close to last season followed by a close playoff loss in Detroit to the Lions. With Cooper Kupp healthy and being paired up with a breakout star in Puka Nacua to catch passes from Matthew Stafford, the sky was seemingly the limit for the offense, especially.
But, arguably no team has been hit harder by the injury bug through the first two weeks of the season than the Los Angeles Rams. And, given the injury issues and an 0-2 start, their season may be done and dusted in terms of being a playoff contender.
Remember that dynamic duo of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp? Neither of them are healthy just two weeks into the season.
In Week 1, Puka Nacua suffered a sprained PCL in the overtime loss to the Detroit Lions. He actually came back in the game for a few snaps after his injury. But, he’s going to be out for a while, is on injured reserve, and is a big loss. His 1,486 receiving yards last year as a rookie shows how productive he can be.
Cooper Kupp looked great in Week 1 after battling injuries much of last season. But, he too is hurt, and will miss an “extended period of time” that could include an IR stint.
All of a sudden, a great Rams passing game is devoid of weapons. Those aren’t the only crucial injuries for Sean McVay’s team. Take a look.
These were the guys the Rams were counting on as starters *two weeks ago*. (Alaric Jackson has avoided the injury bug by being suspended instead.) pic.twitter.com/nZGpL7fUDg
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) September 16, 2024
Those are a lot of injuries to key guys just two weeks into the season. It would be one thing if they started out 2-0 and had some breathing room to give away a game or two. Instead, after a blowout 41-10 loss, it’s getting late early for the Los Angeles Rams.