The Los Angeles Rams’ list of injuries after just one game is starting to resemble what some teams’ injury reports look like in Week 12. They’re incredibly banged up entering their second week of the regular season after losing Puka Nacua, Steve Avila and Joe Noteboom in Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Lions.
They weren’t the only players to get hurt, either. Their injuries are just the most significant and will sideline them multiple weeks.
With so many injuries to track, below is the latest on each player Sean McVay referenced in his press conference on Monday. There could be other nicks and bruises but as of now, these are the most notable injuries entering Week 2.
OL Steve Avila (sprained MCL): Out 4-6 weeks
Avila is likely going to be placed on injured reserve, which will force him to miss at least the next four games. Jordan Schultz reported Monday that Avila is expected to be out 4-6 weeks, so the Rams could be looking at a Week 7 or 8 return for their starting left guard. In his place, Beaux Limmer will play center and Jonah Jackson will move back to left guard.
WR Puka Nacua (knee): Going on IR, out at least 4 weeks
Sean McVay said Monday that Nacua will go on injured reserve. He didn’t specify how long the receiver will be out, but he did say he aggravated the knee injury that kept him out three weeks in training camp and that it’s “a little bit more significant than what was previously the situation.”
RG Kevin Dotson (ankle): Day-to-day
Dotson suffered a “little lateral sprain to his ankle” in Sunday’s loss to the Lions, but McVay said he’ll be considered day-to-day. When asked if Logan Bruss will fill in at right guard, McVay said he’s “hopeful that that ‘K-Dot’ is going to be good.”
OL Joe Noteboom (high ankle sprain): Out a few weeks
Noteboom sprained his ankle against the Lions and had to be carted to the locker room. McVay said it’s a high ankle sprain, which is the worst type of sprain, and he’ll miss a few weeks. McVay isn’t sure who will play left tackle in his absence this week; Alaric Jackson returns from his suspension in Week 3.
CB Cobie Durant (toe): Day-to-day
Durant only missed a handful of plays on Sunday but McVay revealed that he injured his toe in the loss. “He’ll kind of be day-to-day,” per McVay. It sounds like there’s a chance he’ll be able to play this weekend against the Cardinals, which is encouraging because the Rams are thin at cornerback.
RT Rob Havenstein (ankle): Day-to-day
McVay isn’t sure if Havenstein will be able to return from his ankle injury this week against the Cardinals, saying the Rams will take it “a day at a time” with him. Havenstein was questionable for Week 1 but was inactive for the game.