The Los Angeles Rams enter their Week 10 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals looking to extend their winning streak to four games. After a 2-4 start, Sean McVay’s team has improved to 5-4 and moved back into the playoff picture.
With wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams sidelined, Matthew Stafford and the rest of the offense have had to adjust. Their expected recovery timelines will be important as the Rams head into the second half of the season.
## Nacua Could Return in Mid-December; Adams Targeting Week 12
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport discussed the injuries and the Rams’ approach to the trade deadline during an appearance on *The Pat McAfee Show*. He said the team knew the status of both receivers before the deadline but did not make an aggressive push to add another wideout.
Rapoport said the Rams believed an outside receiver could have difficulty adapting quickly to the team’s detailed offensive system. Instead, they decided to rely on players already familiar with their playbook.
Nacua suffered MCL and PCL sprains, as well as turf toe, against Washington. Rapoport said the MCL injury was the primary concern and that the team hoped Nacua could return in mid-December. Nacua had 14 catches for 150 yards and a touchdown in that game. Through seven appearances, he had recorded 70 receptions for 715 yards and four touchdowns.
Nacua was placed on injured reserve and must miss at least four games. The Rams’ Week 15 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys is the earliest he could return.
Adams underwent surgery for a hamstring injury, with Week 12 identified as the target for his return. McVay later suggested that a comeback after the Rams’ Thanksgiving Eve game against Green Bay was a more realistic possibility. Adams has been on injured reserve since Week 6.
The Rams hope to remain competitive while both receivers recover and build momentum for the playoffs. Los Angeles faces Green Bay on November 25 after its bye week.
## CJ Daniels Could Take on a Bigger Role
With Nacua and Adams unavailable against Arizona, the Rams will look to their remaining receivers for additional production. CJ Daniels is among those expected to get more opportunities. McVay said there was “no question about it” that the young receiver would play more snaps moving forward.
Tutu Atwell, Xavier Smith and Konata Mumpfield are also options for Stafford. The Rams could further adjust by leaning on running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, along with their tight ends.
Los Angeles also has other injury concerns heading into the game. Offensive lineman Steve Avila and tight end Terrance Ferguson were ruled out, while cornerback Trent McDuffie and safety Kam Curl were listed as questionable. McVay expressed optimism about both defensive players before the matchup.
The game against Arizona gives the Rams a chance to reach their bye week with four consecutive wins. Managing the receiver absences and other injuries will be crucial as the team awaits the return of key offensive players.
