While the Los Angeles Rams are feeling good about their 8-2 record, the roster was dealt a few blows following their thrilling win against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Rams placed starters Rob Havenstein, Tyler Higbee and Quentin Lake on injured reserve. While head coach Sean McVay did not rule out any of them returning at some point this season, losing three key pieces is a tough reality for a team that’s been rolling on both sides of the field.
Los Angeles will need players like Warren McClendon Jr., Terrance Ferguson and Josh Wallace to step up in Havenstein, Higbee and Lake’s absences, though reinforcements could be on the way.
After a recent practice, McVay announced that Tutu Atwell should be back next week and offered an encouraging update on Ahkello Witherspoon, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
Sean McVay said WR Tutu Atwell should be back next week, and the Rams are “getting close” to potentially exploring opening CB Ahkello Witherspoon’s 21-day practice window
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) November 21, 2025
Atwell has missed the past three games due to a hamstring injury, while Witherspoon has been out since Week 2 after breaking his clavicle. Atwell would be in line to suit up for the team’s Week 13 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, while Witherspoon seems in line to return at some point in December.
Atwell may not have played much before hurting his hamstring, but he remains the downfield speed threat that McVay likes to utilize when the Rams need a chunk play. While McVay has utilized more 13 personnel with Davante Adams as the lone receiver, Atwell should still see opportunities to make an impact on a game.
Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Chris Shula has managed to survive without Witherspoon thanks to the improvement of the young defensive backs on the roster. Cobie Durant and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. have stepped up in Witherspoon’s absence, but getting the veteran back would bolster a rising secondary.
Losing three veterans this week hurts, but Atwell and eventually Witherspoon returning will soften the blow a bit. The Rams are playing some of the best football of anyone in the league, so hopefully they can stay healthy the rest of the way.
Baker Mayfield says Rams tenure was pivotal in football journey
The Rams will play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football in Week 12, a matchup featuring Matthew Stafford and old friend Baker Mayfield. Mayfield spent five gaves in Los Angeles and called his brief stint pivotal in his football journey.
