The Los Angeles Rams (11-3) will engage in a high-stakes showdown with the Seattle Seahawks (11-3) on Thursday night in Lumen Field, but they will do so without the NFL's leading receiving touchdowns leader. Davante Adams has been officially ruled out for this NFC West matchup, according to ESPN's Lindsey Thiry.
The three-time All-Pro wide receiver aggravated his hamstring injury in last Sunday's win over the Detroit Lions, and despite the sliver of optimism that head coach Sean McVay gave fans, an inactive designation was always the likeliest outcome. Although this game packs serious divisional implications, LA is also thinking about the big picture.
The Rams may be able to reach the Super Bowl without home-field advantage, but they will have a difficult time navigating the NFC gauntlet if Adams is stuck on the sidelines during the playoffs. Walking this tightrope is quite daunting, especially in the final stretch of the regular season. This franchise has pressed the right buttons so far, however.
Can the Rams prevail sans Davante Adams?
Signing an aging and physically vulnerable wideout to a $46 million contract ($26 million guaranteed) was inherently risky. But Los Angeles is certainly reaping the rewards of that gamble to this point of the campaign.
Adams has 60 receptions for 789 yards and 14 touchdowns in 14 games. The six-time Pro Bowl selection, who will turn 33 on Christmas Eve, looks rejuvenated alongside quarterback Matthew Stafford and WR Puka Nacua. He is a vital component of what is an elite NFL offense. LA possesses the talent, ingenuity and experience needed to push through, but this is a particularly bad time to endure injury misfortune.
The Rams have to face the Seahawks and the 12th Man on a short week, with the No. 1 seed and NFC West crown potentially on the line. If they can overcome this unique brand of adversity, then fans' confidence will soar well past the Space Needle. Opening kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET.
