The Los Angeles Rams are looking to get out to a 2-0 start, and they must go through the Tennessee Titans to do so. They have decided to enlist the help of rookie second-round pick Terrance Ferguson amid several noteworthy absences.
Ferguson was limited to special teams work in Week 1 against the Houston Texans.
However, the Rams need help this week. So, Ferguson, the No. 46 overall pick of the 2025 draft, will likely make his offensive debut against the Titans alongside starter Tyler Higbee.
Rookie Terrance Ferguson to Make Debut on Offense as Rams Missing Key Contributors vs Titans
GettyTerrance Ferguson #18 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before a game against the Houston Texans.
The Rams will not have a key pair of veteran contributors, starting left guard Steve Avila and backup tight end Colby Parkinson. Both players were listed as doubtful on the Rams’ final injury report after failing to log even limited participation in any practice session during the week.
The decision will cause a shakeup up front for the Rams.
The depth chart on the Rams’ website is “unofficial,” but it lists second-year former undrafted free agent Justin Dedich as Avila’s backup.
Ferguson could assume most, if not all, of Parkinson’s reps, though he is inexperienced and is a different kind of player.McVay also suggested Parkinson’s absence could lead to playing time for the rookie.
Avila and Parkinson join defensive lineman Desjuan Johnson, offensive lineman D.J. Humphries, and quarterback Stetson Bennett on the Rams’ inactives list.
Super Bowl Champion Avoids Making Titans’ Inactives List
GettyL’Jarius Sneed #38 of the Tennessee Titans takes the field before a game against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Titans will have two-time Super Bowl champion and starting CB L’Jarius Sneed against the Rams after he logged limited practices throughout the week. They will also have backup safety Quandre Diggs, a fortunate turn with fellow reserve Kevin Winston Jr. FIX THIS for this contest.
Tennessee will not have starting right tackle JC Latham or defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, which count as two key losses against any team, but especially the Rams.
LA’s defense features reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse off the edge.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford and crew will be in position to air the ball out. But running back Kyren Williams is a former Pro Bowler and could have greater rushing lanes without Sweat clogging the middle.
The Titans are coming off a 20-12 loss to the Denver Broncos in their regular-season opener. They went 3-14 season in 2024.
Notably, the last time the Rams started 2-0 was in 2021, when they won the Super Bowl.
Battle to Watch: Rams WRs Davante Adams & Puka Nacua vs Titans CB Jarvis Brownlee
GettyDavante Adams #17 and Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams make their way back to the huddle against theHouston Texans.
Even if the Rams lean on Williams throughout the game, expect Stafford and his perimeter playmakers to test the Titans’ resolve, specifically at cornerback. There, 2024 fifth-round selection Jarvis Brownlee is coming off a flag-laden season opener.
Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson noted the “penalties have to stop,” per ESPN’s Turron Davenport.
Davenport also suggested “watch” for Davante Adams and Puka Nacua to take advantage.
“Brownlee is working to find the balance between being physical and getting penalized, but it’s not off to a good start after he was flagged three times for 57 yards last week,” Davenport wrote on September 12. “Watch for double moves as Los Angeles probably will try to take advantage of the second-year corner.”
The Rams have some noteworthy milestones they can pass in this contest, per ESPN. Stafford is within 3 TD passes of tying Matt Ryan for ninth all-time. Nacua needs 12 receptions to tie Odell Beckham Jr. for most receptions over a player’s first 30 games.
All the more reason to expect a hefty dose of the Rams’ passing game against the Titans.
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