NFL

5 LA Rams Players Who Must Step Up Without Puka Nacua and Davante Adams

Niqko MarshallNovember 13, 2026

The Los Angeles Rams’ receiving corps has suffered serious injuries to their two top playmakers, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Both players are expected to be out together for multiple weeks, and with the Rams still having hopes for a Super Bowl, here are five Rams players who need to step up.

Five Rams Players Who Must Step Up Without Puka Nacua and Davante Adams

5. TE Max Klare

Max Klare, taken in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, has yet to make an impact for the Rams. Klare was a solid tight end prospect out of Ohio State and was projected to go in the second or third round. However, the Rams have taken a lot of flak for the selection because Klare has been inactive for most of the season. Now, with injuries mounting up, Klare will get a chance to make plays in the Rams’ 13 personnel packages.

If Klare can make an immediate impact over the next couple of weeks, the Rams could prove themselves right for selecting him in the second round instead of choosing to opt for another position like receiver.

4. WR Konata Mumpfield

Konata Mumpfield has played the most snaps out of any wide receiver not named Nacua or Adams. Mumpfield was a seventh-round selection in the 2025 draft, and though he doesn’t have the physical tools of someone with a higher draft profile, Mumpfield has been reliable in key moments of the game with Stafford. Mumpfield went for four catches and 93 yards and a touchdown earlier in the season against the Denver Broncos, so he can be productive in the Rams’ passing scheme.

3. WR CJ Daniels

The 2026 sixth-round rookie out of the University of Miami will get his first real action in professional football and will be counted on immediately to make an impact. CJ Daniels will see plenty of opportunities just out of necessity, as the Rams don’t have much depth at the receiver spot due to injuries. If Daniels can earn Matthew Stafford‘s trust, Daniels could be relied on heavily until the Rams’ top playmakers make it back.

2. RB Blake Corum

Blake Corum has had a solid season for the Rams so far in his third year. He has 447 rushing yards and four touchdowns this season. He and Kyren Williams form a good running back tandem, and with Williams being a little more versatile in the receiving game, Corum may need to have more impact as a rusher, since Williams might have more opportunities to line up out wide.

2026 11 08T204526Z 234872105 MT1USATODAY30313651 RTRMADP 3 NFL LOS ANGELES RAMS AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS — Nov 8, 2026; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson (45) reaches out to tackle Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum (24) during the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

1. QB Matthew Stafford

The 2025 NFL MVP will probably be the player the Rams count on most to keep them afloat while they wait for guys to return from injury. So far this season, Stafford has been inconsistent and hasn’t quite looked like the player who won the MVP last season.

Now, without Nacua, his favorite target, he will have to play at a top level to make sure the Rams’ passing attack stays on track. Stafford seems to shine brightest when the chips are stacked against him, and with the Rams vying for a playoff spot and dealing with significant injury issues, Stafford will need to be at his best in this crucial stretch of games for the Rams over the next couple of weeks.

Main Image: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images