Fans left perplexed with mixed-bag Rams injury report update for playoffs

Does it get any better than this? The 12-5 Los Angeles Rams have earned a chance to compete in the NFL Playoffs for the third consecutive season. Better still, the offense is among the most dangerous scorers in the entire NFL. While the team is forced to travel coast-to-coast for Round 1 of the NFL playoffs, they face a familiar foe in the 8-9 Carolina Panthers.

The same team that humbled LA with a Week 13 loss.

While the Panthers did win that game, they had no answer for veteran wide receiver Davante Adams. Adams hauled in four of five passes for 58 yards and two touchdowns in the game, leading all scorers. As it just so happens, Adams is returning to play after nearly a month on the bench, healing from a hamstring injury.

And he is gnawing at the bit to play football again.

The team also welcomes back versatile defensive back Quentin Lake. Lake has been out for nearly two months with an elbow injury. He didn't compete against the Panthers in the first game, but hopes to restore stinginess to a recently porous defense.

Rams fans gotta take the good with the bad

Even as fans relish the return of Adams and Lake, not all news is good. Right guard Kevin Dotson has been ruled out, and he has been one of the team's best offensive linemen this season. The team also reported the loss of special teams ace Shaun Dolac to injured reserve.

And as if special teams did not have enough problems, the team has also ruled out kick returner Jordan Whittington for the upcoming Wild Card Round.

Still, Los Angeles has faced adversity all season and has accomplished a great deal despite facing a grueling schedule that was littered with playoff-bound teams. That has prepared this team for the postseason, a potentially four-game series in which it's either win or go home.

Special teams have played a significant role in most of the losses this season. That sets the stage for a perilous performance against the Panthers, a game that will be closely contested.

Another key downgrade is subbing in undrafted interior offensive lineman Justin Dedich to replace starting right guard Kevin Dotson. That could make running the football difficult in the playoffs, and that is not a great scenario for this offense.

Still, two vital starters are back. Let's hope it's enough to pull off a road win in Round 1.

As always, thanks for reading.