Injury bug already threatening to derail Rams season

The injury bug is already threatening to derail the Rams' season.

On Wednesday, wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) and linemen Steve Avila (sprained MCL) and Joe Noteboom (high ankle sprain) were placed on injured reserve, as NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported.

All three will miss at least the next four weeks.

Each injury occurred in Week 1's "Sunday Night Football" matchup against the Detroit Lions, which resulted in a 26-20 overtime loss.

Nacua played 25 snaps before leaving the game due to injury. The 2023 Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year had four receptions for 35 yards after setting the rookie records for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486) in a single season last year.

He's quickly become one of quarterback Matthew Stafford's favorite targets — along with veteran Cooper Kupp — but his injury will force Stafford to look elsewhere when defenses key in on Kupp.

Avila's and Noteboom's injuries could be even more damaging.

The Rams' offensive line depth was already compromised with right tackle Rob Havenstein's ankle injury and left tackle Alaric Jackson's two-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Right guard Kevin Dotson has been described as day-to-day after tweaking his ankle on Sunday, while 2024 seventh-round pick KT Leveston (ankle) is also on injured reserve.

Head coach Sean McVay has already resorted to starting a makeshift unit up front, and the lack of continuity on the offensive line could make Stafford's job even harder.

Los Angeles played seven linemen against the Lions and ended Week 1 with Pro Football Focus' worst pass-blocking grade (20.3).

In Week 2, the Rams (0-1) travel to Arizona to play the Cardinals (0-1). With injuries piling up, Arizona is a one-point favorite. ( h/t ESPN Bet )

Additionally, Los Angeles is dealing with injuries to tight end Tyler Higbee (knee), nose tackle Larrell Murchison (arm) and cornerbacks Cobie Durant (toe), Darious Williams (hamstring), Deion Kendrick (knee) and Tre Tomlinson (undisclosed).

Durant suffered the injury on Sunday against Detroit.

Murchison and Williams were previously placed on injured reserve with a designation to return, while Kendrick and Tomlinson were placed on season-ending IR last month.

The Rams placed Higbee on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list in August, and he'll miss L.A.'s next three games before being eligible to return in Week 5.