Rams’ long-running injury nightmare just gave way to a shocking Week 1 twist

The success of NFL teams in any given season is often just as dependent on health and durability as it is on talent and strength of schedule. For the Los Angeles Rams, health is certainly a topic of great interest. After all, injuries to key starters in each of the past two seasons have led to slow starts, leaving no margin for error in the second half to keep playoff hopes alive.

To change those early-season struggles, the team needs to change the injury trend. For a time, a back issue for quarterback Matthew Stafford and a medical condition for starting left tackle Alaric Jackson sapped much of the optimism around a fast start. But concerns have given way to hope. Stafford broke through the impasse and has been throwing successfully again. Jackson, meanwhile, stayed committed to staying in football shape and fought his way back to readiness.

The current projection is for the Rams to be fully healthy when they face the Houston Texans in Week 1. That doesn’t guarantee a win, but it definitely boosts their chances. With a full complement of playmakers on both sides of the football, fans can finally expect to see what this team is truly capable of.

Rams face a Texans team that won’t be (Joe) Mixon it up

The same clean bill of health can’t be said for the Texans, who appear to be heading into Week 1 without three offensive contributors. Starting wide receiver Christian Kirk is nursing a strained hamstring and is expected to miss at least two weeks. Running back Joe Mixon begins the season on the IR/NFI list, sidelined for the first four games.

On top of that, Houston has ruled out WR Braxton Berrios, also dealing with a hamstring injury. That removes the potential of over 1,000 rushing yards and 1,500 receiving yards from the Texans’ offensive output against Los Angeles. Of course, the unit still has threats, including WR Nico Collins, TE Dalton Schultz, and RB Nick Chubb. Rookie wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylen Noel, both Iowa State products, also have ties to Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.

The Rams’ defense didn’t open 2024 well, particularly when facing rookie receivers (just ask Arizona Cardinals standout Marvin Harrison Jr.). But after regrouping during the bye, the defense finished the season with far more effective strategies.

Many NFL analysts expect this young, affordable defense to carry Los Angeles in 2025. That may very well happen. But don’t overlook the offense. There are explosive weapons up and down the depth chart, any of whom could be called on to produce game-changing plays.

This won’t be an easy opener by any stretch. But it will be a critical early test for a Rams roster hoping to return to postseason relevance. A win in Week 1 would be a huge first step. A loss, meanwhile, would only make the road back that much tougher.

As always, thanks for reading.

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