When the Los Angeles Rams take the field on offense Sunday, there will be some important names missing from the backs of their jerseys. Jared Goff is out with a broken thumb. Darrell Henderson Jr. has a high ankle sprain, which landed him on IR this week. Cooper Kupp tested positive for COVID-19 and is out at least 10 days.
All three have played integral roles on offense this season, and none of them will be available in the Rams’ most important game of the season – potentially a must-win if the Bears upset the Packers in Week 17.
Goff is obviously the team’s leading passer, throwing for 3,952 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. Henderson leads the team in rushing and has started 11 games, gaining 624 yards and scoring five times on the ground; he also has 159 yards receiving with one touchdown reception. Kupp leads the team in targets (124), receptions (92) and receiving yards (974), averaging a team-high 64.9 yards per game.
When the Rams need a win most, they’ll be without their leading passer, rusher and receiver. And to make matters worse, they could also be missing Cam Akers, who is questionable to play with a high ankle sprain of his own.
With John Wolford set to take his first snap ever in the regular season, his supporting cast will be sorely lacking. Sure, Robert Woods is a great receiver, and both Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett are talented tight ends. Malcolm Brown is no slouch at running back, either, and Van Jefferson has shown flashes of talent as a rookie.
But it’s hard to replace the likes of Goff, Kupp, Henderson and possibly Akers – especially given the circumstances with a playoff berth on the line.
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