The Los Angeles Rams placed Wide Receiver Van Jefferson on the injured reserve last week. This means he will be out of action through week seven. This leaves the Rams with a tough decision for his replacement.
Why did the Rams wait so long to move Jefferson to Injured Reserve?
Jefferson hasn’t played in 2022 due to offseason knee surgery. The operation was looked at as minor and he’s suffered no setbacks. Which might be the reason for the Rams waiting as long as they have. With the injuries mounting on offense and defense paired with Jefferson’s slow progression; LA had no choice than to move him to the IR to create roster space.
Jefferson was drafted by the Rams in the 2020 NFL draft and showed glimpse of a future star. In 2021 his production saw an uptick. With a season ending injury to Robert Woods; Jefferson posted career highs. He finished the season with 50 catches for 802 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Who Will Be Jefferson’s Long-Term Replacement?
As of right now, the Rams turn to second year wideout Ben Skrowonek. The 25 year old receiver out of Notre Dame has taken his place in the third slot on the depth chart. The wideout has filled the role since week one and improved each week. Skrowonek was first introduced to fans as a depth receiver who wasn’t a reliable target in 2021.
Skrowonek has turned things around this year in Jefferson’s place. In three games played, he has 10 catches on 13 targets for 107 yards. Coach Sean Mcvay has used him in different ways as well to maximize his usage. In week two vs the Falcons Skrowonek was seen as a lead blocker for Darrell Henderson and Cam Akers in a Rams win. In week three he did the same and added a pancake block leading to a touchdown. Skrowonek looks to keep his production up against the San Francisco 49ers next week.
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