The Los Angeles Rams may be inching closer to getting Davante Adams back on the field, and while nothing is locked in for Week 17, the tone around his status has shifted from “definitely out” to “we’ll see.” That’s a meaningful development for a team that’s deep in the playoff hunt and knows exactly what kind of weapon it’s missing.
Adams is working his way back from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the first time this season. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed the star wideout is making progress, but emphasized that the team is going to play it smart. Adams will be monitored throughout the week, and any decision on his availability will come down to how his body responds in the days ahead.
Why the Rams Are Playing the Long Game
Let’s be clear: the Rams want Adams back. He leads the NFL in receiving touchdowns and has been Matthew Stafford’s go-to guy when it matters most. But they also understand the cost of rushing a player back from a hamstring issue-especially one who does so much of his damage with explosive cuts and timing routes.
McVay has made it clear this isn’t just about getting Adams back for one game. It’s about making sure he’s available when it counts most.
“This guy’s a great competitor. He wants to be out there,” McVay said. “It’s our job to figure out what’s best collectively with him.”
It’s a balancing act-between Adams’ drive to compete and the team’s responsibility to protect his long-term health. And with the postseason looming, the Rams are betting that a little patience now could pay off in a big way later.
What the Rams Lose Without Adams
Adams isn’t just a high-volume target-he’s a scoring machine. Through 16 weeks, he’s hauled in 60 passes for 789 yards and 14 touchdowns on 114 targets. That kind of production doesn’t just disappear without consequences.
Twelve of those 14 touchdowns have come in the red zone, where his size, route-running precision, and chemistry with Stafford give the Rams a massive advantage. Without him, Los Angeles has to rely on a committee approach, spreading the ball around and hoping someone can step up.
“You don’t ever replace a player like him,” McVay said. “You don’t ask one receiver to take over his production. It’s by a committee.”
But even with a group effort, there’s a ceiling. Adams brings a level of trust and efficiency that’s hard to replicate. He gives Stafford a margin for error-especially near the goal line-that just isn’t there without him.
Red-Zone Killer, Situational Star
Adams’ impact isn’t just about total numbers-it’s about when and where he makes plays.
In the red zone, he’s been nearly automatic: 12 touchdowns on just 13 catches. That’s the kind of efficiency that forces defenses to account for him on every snap, opening up opportunities for others.
On first and second downs, he’s also found the end zone 12 times-helping the Rams stay ahead of the sticks and out of obvious passing situations.
And in tight fourth-quarter games? He’s averaging 17.2 yards per catch. That’s not just clutch-that’s game-changing.
Even when he doesn’t catch the ball, his presence shifts defensive priorities. Without him, opponents can sit on short routes, press more aggressively, and force the Rams to string together longer, more precise drives. That’s a tough ask, especially late in the season.
Still Day-to-Day
For now, Adams remains a day-to-day decision. The Rams are encouraged by his progress, but they’re not committing to anything just yet. It’s going to come down to how his hamstring responds to increased activity as the week goes on.
Whether he suits up before the playoffs is still an open question. But one thing is certain: the Rams know exactly what they’re missing when Adams isn’t out there-and they’re not about to risk losing him for the games that matter most.