Delay in Terrance Ferguson's return won't help Rams offset Davante Adams injury

Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson will not, after all, likely return from injured reserve when he becomes eligible in Week 8. Despite prior optimism, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that Ferguson's recovery will "take some time." 

We'll have to see what head coach Sean McVaya says on the subject, if anything, in his next media session.

With Davante Adams now sidelined six to 10 weeks with a hamstring injury, the Rams probably can't count on Ferguson to help offset his absence. Although Ferguson is a tight end, he has many receiver-ish traits, allowing him to stretch the field in addition to providing a short-area target. 

Ferguson has been out since injuring his ankle against the Denver Broncos in Week 3, one game after a career-best six-catch, 54-yard outing against the Giants. 

Potential Terrance Ferguson setback gives Rams one more obstacle to overcome 

After this week's game in Las Vegas, Ferguson will have missed the minimum four games required after landing on injured reserve. If he's not back the following week - and Schefter's report hints that it could be longer - where will the Rams turn now that Adams is gone, too?

Missing Adams and Ferguson leaves the offense without two of its highest-upside targets. Trade targets like Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. thus become a natural consideration, although realistically the Rams may lack the assets for such a move to make sense. 

As an alternative to or in combination with a trade, they could, of course, enlist their rookies. Tight end Max Klare has one target. Sixth-round wideout CJ Daniels has yet to be active on gameday. 

Fat chance the Rams make much use of either. And frankly, neither would really move the needle. 

LA fans would love to hear something, anything positive. And, true, the season is far from over. Despite the slew of injuries, there is still plenty of talent on this roster. 

As far as the receiver situation goes, though, the Rams are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Do they burn assets to bring in a player like Thomas, in a desperate attempt to save what might already be a lost season? Do they hope their rookies can make a meaningful impact? 

Let's face it. If Klare and Daniels do see significant playing time, it will likely be when the last wisps of hope have dissipated. If the Rams are going to turn this thing around, they'll have to shed what limited draft capital they have and/or lean on their veterans. 

A costly Week 6 fumble notwithstanding, tight end Tyler Higbee has been productive. Davis Allen seems to make an impressive grab whenever the ball finds him; he's hauled in all six of his targets for 61 yards. 

Nacua is a one-man wrecking crew. Perhaps second-year receiver Konata Mumpfield can rediscover the spark from his 93-yard performance in Denver. There's always Tutu Atwell. …

Let's not sugarcoat it: the reality is grim, and any delay in Ferguson's return won't help counter the Rams' seemingly endless cascade of miscues and misfortune.

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