Rams’ Trade Deadline Inaction Draws a D Grade

The Los Angeles Rams did not make a trade before the NFL deadline, even as injuries left their receiving group short-handed and the team sat at 5-4. The decision drew a D grade, with the team’s championship prospects now in doubt.

Puka Nacua is expected to miss at least four weeks after being placed on injured reserve, and his absence could last longer. Davante Adams is also on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. His estimated recovery window is six to 10 weeks, with a possible return after the Rams’ Week 12 game against Green Bay if he is back at the early end of that range.

Coach Sean McVay had said the team would consider different ways to address problems as they arose. But the Rams did not bring in a receiver, leaving Jordan Whittington, CJ Daniels, Tutu Atwell and Konata Mumpfield as possible options.

The Rams could reasonably have avoided paying too much for higher-profile targets such as Brian Thomas Jr. or Keenan Allen. However, the Kansas City Chiefs acquired Josh Downs in exchange for a pair of picks, one in the fourth round and one in the fifth, a price the Rams’ front office might have been able to match.

The Rams entered the season with Super Bowl ambitions, but their current record leaves them outside the playoff picture. Their inactivity may reflect a judgment that injuries have made a deep run unlikely, though it also raises questions about whether they did enough to support Matthew Stafford and the team’s remaining chances.