The 11-4 Los Angeles Rams have already locked up a playoff berth. As a result, the NFL narrative has moved on, seeking stories about the next unexpected risers and painful plummets. It’s the sizzle that sells. But as the headlines swell with the injuries to the 9-4 San Francisco 49ers and the success of the 12-3 Seattle Seahawks, one very important story is missing.
LA’s offense may have just lost its fourth starter, perhaps for multiple weeks.
In Week 16, Los Angeles had to suit up an offense that was missing four starters. Can you name them? Most NFL fans cannot, because the 49ers have the copyright on injury stories this season. But Los Angeles had to play without tight end Tyler Higbee, right tackle Rob Havenstein, and wide receiver Davante Adams.
And early in the game, right guard Kevin Dotson suffered an ankle injury as a Seahawks linebacker, Derrick Hall, deliberately stepped on it as he was on the ground. Dotson is now on crutches and in a walking boot as a result.
Rams roster is getting horrifically banged up at the worst time
Most injury-related indices report on the number of players sent to injured reserve. But in doing so, the team opens a roster slot for another player. Many teams shun IR status, as it requires a four-week hiatus from playtime.
Kevin Dotson is a huge loss for this offense. He is a furious blocker, and his consistent performance has protected quarterback Matthew Stafford, as well as created huge holes for running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum to charge through for huge gains.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall was never penalized nor ejected from the game. But the post-game review has resulted in his one-game suspension. Head coach Sean McVay reports that Dotson may miss multiple games after trainers have had time to assess his injury. If you wish to review the play that resulted in Hall’s suspension, NFL insider Adam Schefter has shared it for the world to see.
Here is the play that resulted in a one-game suspension for Seahawks LB Derick Hall that he is appealing: pic.twitter.com/SrMRKyrhLv
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 19, 2025
The thing is, the LA Rams offense is now down four starters and two starting offensive linemen. Worse still is the fact that nobody is talking about it.
Healthy teams win championships. That’s simply the harsh reality. Right now, the Rams roster may be at its most banged-up state for the entire season. Even as the offense tries to rally without what may be four absent starters, the defense is struggling.
The team is getting solid play out of its backups. Tight end Colby Parkinson, wide receiver Konata Mumpfield, right tackle Warren McClendon Jr., and even interior offensive line Justin Dedich are holding their own on the football field. The front office invested heavily in roster depth during the 2025 NFL Draft.
While some fans may still be heartbroken over the Week 16 loss, here is a silver lining to that loss. Los Angeles no longer has to win out to preserve its BYE week. Odds are that the team will view that Week 18 game against the Arizona Cardinals as an opportunity to manufacture a BYE, if the team remains in the wild-card bracket.
That could prove to be the wisest Rams strategy of all.
As always, thanks for reading.