Is Monday when Rams fans see CJ Daniels make his debut?

The Los Angeles Rams could be without both Puka Nacua (hip, questionable) and Jordan Whittington (quad, doubtful) on Monday against the Giants. That would leave five receivers on the roster including both Week 1 inactives, Tutu Atwell and rookie CJ Daniels. 

Even if only Whittington is ruled out, one of Atwell or Daniels should have his name called as the fifth wideout on gameday. Could it be the sixth-round rookie? 

His best chance to see the field would likely be in the undesirable event that neither Nacua nor Whittington can suit up. If at least one of them is available and the Rams maintain a five-receiver gameday group, Atwell would seem likely to get the nod given his experience and familiarity with the offense. 

Still, don't rule out a Daniels debut. There's no guarantee Atwell takes priority - heck, it could come down to who has looked better in practice this week - and head coach Sean McVay could choose to activate an extra receiver anyway to compensate if Nacua is absent. 

Rams could consider activating CJ Daniels in Week 2 vs Giants

If Nacua sits, the Rams could benefit from introducing a variety of receiver options, seeing as no one else did much of anything in Week 1. They clearly need an explosive element in the offense, which Atwell could help spark with his speed, but they also need dependable targets, period. 

While catching preseason passes from Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson is a far cry from the real thing, perhaps Daniels can step in and be one.

Rams fans certainly wouldn't mind seeing more rookies in action this week, after all 2026 draftees were inactive in Week 1, while undrafted rookie Wesley Bailey was limited to a pair of special-teams snaps. Well, consider those wishes quite possibly granted: not only should Bailey have a larger role with Myles Garrett out, Daniels and/or tight end Max Klare could also have a shot.

Daniels brings size and strong hands to the table, which quite frankly are traits more suited to McVay's preferences, even as the offense could also benefit from Atwell's explosive potential. That's one thing in Daniels' advantage. 

Especially if Nacua can't go, it will be crucial for the Rams to get Matthew Stafford a chance to find his rhythm - whatever portion of his sluggish Week 1 showing wasn't due to jet lag or a bad night's sleep.

It might seem naive to suggest that Daniels, a rookie, could help get Stafford's gears going, but his physical frame and red-zone reliability at Miami last season make him a potential security-blanket type target if he has the chance to build chemistry with his quarterback. 

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