LA Rams have more questions than answers over WR Van Jefferson now

Rams’ receiver reinjury means more questions

The Rams’ wide receiver corps, as originally configured behind starters Cooper Kupp, Allen Robinson, and Van Jefferson was an ideal starting unit. Not only were the receivers all capable of putting up 1000+ yards this season, but they were so different in their skills that defending the three would be a matchup nightmare for secondaries this season.

We know that Rams WR Cooper Kupp is capable of breaking NFL receiving records in any given season. He is deceptively adept at creating separation, and then putting up phenomenal yards after the catch. New addition Allen Robinson is the physical type of wide receiver who loves to snag the ball out of the air in tight coverage. Since the LA Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford loves to throw into tight coverages, I believe that even the most optimistic projections for Allen Robinson are underselling just how effective Robinson will be in this offense.

Jefferson is a different WR

Jefferson is an entirely different breed of wide receiver. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 200-pounds, he is big enough to be very effective in the multi-purpose roles with the Rams’ offense that all receivers must master. He must be able to block, run effectively, catch the ball, and put up yards after the catch.  Jefferson proved that he was effective in all areas. And he was nearly as effective in catching deep passes as veteran wide receiver DeSean Jackson in 2021.

So that appeared to place the LA Rams offense, if only with their three primary receivers, in an incredible under-the-radar position to surprise the NFL for the second season in a row. But now, there are questions about Van Jefferson. More specifically, is the surgically repaired knee re-injured?

While the LA Rams do not have answers to share, the questions are multiplying rapidly. So let’s try to answer a couple of nagging questions.