Which Rams receivers are playing today: A full injury update

The Los Angeles Rams have been healthier for a game, that's for sure. After a physically draining Week 11 win, the team sent three starters to injured reserve. They join three other players already on IR, making the total impact on the team rather sudden and significant. Even more complicating is the fact that an additional player ended up this week on the NFL's concussion protocol.

Who is not playing for sure? Wide receiver Tutu Atwell (one week left) and tight end Tyler Higbee (four weeks left) are on injured reserve, so they won't be playing. Return specialist/wide receiver Xavier Smith has tried to clear the NFL concussion protocol this week, and his playing time is up in the air.

The team did elevate wide receiver Brennan Presley from the practice squad, and he will likely be considered as a returner in Week 12 if Smith can't go. That leaves wide receivers Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, Jordan Whittington, and rookie Konata Mumpfield as the four healthy receivers.

Xavier Smith may play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the team may sit him as a precaution.

Tight ends Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and rookie Terrance Ferguson as the three healthy tight ends.

Why are the Rams running light on receivers in such an important game?

The Rams carry six wide receivers on the active 53-man roster, but two have been injured. They also carry four tight ends on the roster, but one has been banged up. Currently, there is plenty of confusion over who is and isn't suiting up for a crucial Week 12 game on Sunday Night Football. Let's sort this all out.

Wide receiver Puka Nacua

As long as Puka Nacua is upright and playing, the offense will gain yards. Against some of the most stingy and physical defenses, the former Brigham Young University receiver has gained nearly all of LA's receiving yards. I would not consider the Buccaneers secondary in a smothering defense category, so the passing game should have been very effective.

Wide receiver Davante Adams

While Davante Adams may not put up huge chunks of yards, he has scored in seven of the ten games played. Right now, he is riding a streak of scoring in four consecutive games and seven touchdowns in four games. As long as Nacua can gain yards, Adams can find the end zone.

Wide receivers Jordan Whittington/Konata Mumpfield

Since the BYE, Whittington and Mumpfield have combined for one catch out of three targets for just nine yards. But necessity is the mother of invention. While neither is likely to put up 100 receiving yards in this one, Whittington has the potential to be used modestly to keep the defense on its heels.

Tight end Terrance Ferguson

For a rookie, Terrance Ferguson is remarkably adept at catching the deep ball. He is only second to injured wide receiver Tutu Atwell in terms of yards per catch; Ferguson is averaging 27.6 yards per reception on just five catches. While he is still striving to be a factor in the outcome of a game, this could be his breakout performance.

Tight ends Colby Parkinson/Davis Allen

The tight end duo of Parkinson and Allen has combined for 28 catches of 35 targets for 227 yards and five touchdowns. Even the most skeptical fans admit that the offense has struck the mother lode of offensive production this season in giving larger roles to tight ends.

Even if the team fields just three tight ends to face the Bucs, there is huge potential to get plenty of yards and scores from the position.

The Rams may not be at full strength right now, but this remains a very dangerous offense with plenty of elite weaponry. If you are looking for Week 12 production, look no further. Los Angeles needs its players to step up, and they always do.

As always, thanks for reading.