Everything echoes back to January for the Rams. Disappointment from a loss in bitter fashion to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game rings in the Rams’ hopes to return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2022.
And there’s new and old friends along for the ride. Here are four questions that could make or break the Rams’ 2026 season.
How do Donald and Garrett impact the pass rush?
Garrett broke the NFL record for sacks in a season with 23 while playing for the Cleveland Browns last year – before the blockbuster trade that sent him to Los Angeles in exchange for Jared Verse and three draft picks.
The last time Donald played in the NFL – during the 2023 season – he wrapped up what was then his final season in the league with a first-team All Pro campaign. The 35-year-old Donald is back, no longer the only massive defensive talent needing to be double-teamed.
“I think the D-line group alone,” Donald said when asked if Garrett coming to the Rams was a factor in ending his retirement. “You talk about the interior guys and then you got (Byron Young) and then you bring guys like Myles Garrett out here. I already thought it was a stacked D-line.”
Ultimately, the return of Donald and the entrance of Garrett should open things up for a player such as Young, who is coming off a career-high 12-sack season a year ago. And then there’s Kobie Turner, Poona Ford and Braden Fiske – all of whom have become staples of the Rams’ defense.
“If there’s going to be more attention,” Turner said during training camp, “then it’s time for us to eat.”
Does the offensive line have enough depth?
The Rams were already dealt a duo of injured-reserve blows to their offensive line before the season opener.
Rookie tackle Keagen Trost – a third-round pick in April who appeared set for swing tackle duties – suffered a hamstring injury during the Rams’ first preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Backup lineman Justin Dedich suffered a hand injury in the offseason that, after a few practices returning to the fold during the preseason, still sees him missing at least the first four weeks of the season.
All of a sudden, the Rams are carrying a few question marks in their offensive line reserves. Look to veteran David Quessenberry to be the next tackle called upon. Rams coach Sean McVay also pointed to Beaux Limmer as a player who could play at both guard spots, as well as center.
One injury, and either Quessenberry or Limmer could be called upon.
Does Corum overtake Williams at running back?
Yes, the depth chart lists Williams as the starter and Corum as the backup. But after Corum’s breakout 2025 season – when Corum averaged slightly more yards per carry than Williams – fans have clamored for the third-year Rams tailback to see increased playing time.
Corum only poured fuel on that fire with dynamic, barefoot workouts posted to social media during the offseason.
Neither played in the preseason, which is to be expected as McVay elects to turn away from players likely to play in otherwise fairly meaningless games. But Corum has shown the potential to have a bigger season than the 746 rushing yards he put up last season – vying for 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.
Keep an eye on who gets the bulk share of carries as the season progresses to the midway point.
Are the special teams woes a phase of the past?
Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone was hired for one reason: Fix what happened last year.
You remember: unexpected daggers in nearly all six losses last season being caused by mistakes on special teams. Although the Rams have yet to play a game, McVay has provided Ventrone a ringing endorsement.
“I think some of the moves that we’ve made, the time that we allocate on the practice field, in the meeting rooms, I think it’s a great testament to the leadership that I feel from Bubba Ventrone and from (assistant special teams coordinator) Kyle Hoke,” McVay said during the preseason. “The guys have bought in. I think that’s one of the things that you talk about the areas of improvement.”