The Los Angeles Rams will have to play without starting right guard Kevin Dotson against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday and they are expected to be without Davante Adams for the second game in a row. The Rams could be without two starting offensive linemen against Atlanta, as A.J. Jackson is listed as questionable, as well as defensive lineman Braden Fiske. Sean McVay indicated that D.J. Humphries would start at left tackle if Jackson can’t go. That would mean that the Rams have three offensive linemen on Monday who didn’t open the season as starters: Humphries, Dedich, and Warren McClendon at right tackle.
In addition, the Rams ruled out cornerback Josh Wallace, but Roger McCreary is expected to be added back to the 53-man roster in time to play against the Falcons.
McCreary, a midseason trade acquisition, has been out since Week 12.
Rumors have circulated this week that the Rams have no plans of bringing back Davante Adams before the playoffs. Players listed as “doubtful” are typically about 95% unlikely to play, so expecting Adams to face the Falcons is wishful thinking. That means more opportunities for the likes of Terrance Ferguson, Konata Mumpfield, and others.
The Rams will turn to Justin Dedich at right guard again. Dedich played 77% of the snaps in last week’s loss to the Seahawks after Dotson went down with a leg injury. Seattle edge rusher Derick Hall was suspended by the NFL for one game for what the league called an intentional step on Dotson’s leg.
Dedich was penalized for illegal man downfield on a play that negated a would-be touchdown for the Rams.
McCreary may not be an upgrade from Wallace, but he may also not be a significant downgrade either. The Rams must beat the Falcons to keep hope alive for an NFC West title (and to improve the first round pick going from Atlanta to L.A.) but a focus on an already-secured playoff spot may be more incentive to keep Adams on the sidelines until he’s 100%.
The Rams are surely being hit hard with injuries at the end of the season, they just hope to be fully back by the time the playoffs begin.
