Packers' Week 5 matchup vs. Rams just got easier after big injury update
Matt LaFleur has a perfect record against his buddy Sean McVay, with the Green Bay Packers defeating the Los Angeles Rams in four consecutive seasons, including a playoff win.
The Rams got so sick of losing in the cold that they requested the NFL put their 2023 Lambeau game earlier in the season. Green Bay still won.
This year, the Rams get the Packers in their home stadium. Well, their home stadium that will likely be flooded with green and gold on Sunday. In any case, it beats losing in the cold at Lambeau, right? McVay aims to finally get a victory over LaFleur, and both teams are desperate for a win.
This would be a must-see matchup between two NFC heavyweights when both teams are fully healthy. But considering the Rams' brutal luck with injuries this season, the Packers can't afford to lose. Los Angeles has already ruled out a star player for Week 5.
Cooper Kupp is one of several Rams stars ruled out for Week 5 vs. Packers
The Rams have already ruled out All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp for Week 5. And they were already without their other Pro Bowl receiver, Puka Nacua, who is on injured reserve.
Sean McVay ruled Cooper Kupp out for the Packers game. Rams have their bye the week after.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) September 30, 2024
On top of that, three of the Rams' preferred starters along the offensive line—left tackle Joe Noteboom, left guard Jonah Jackson, and center Steve Avila—are on injured reserve.
The Packers have their own injury problems. Jaire Alexander and Carrington Valentine missing last week's game left the secondary exposed against Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but that's less of a concern against the Rams without Kupp and Nacua.
Green Bay could also miss Christian Watson this week. He avoided a significant injury but might not be ready for Week 5. Again, it's less of a concern than in Week 4 because the Rams are without cornerback Darious Williams and safety John Johnson III.
The Rams have been hit hard with injuries, and their 1-3 record reflects that. They lost in overtime to the Detroit Lions in Week 1, but their performances have declined as the injuries have mounted. Los Angeles lost 41-10 to the Arizona Cardinals and 24-18 to the Chicago Bears. The Rams' only win required a San Francisco 49ers meltdown to overturn a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit.
Anything can happen on any given Sunday, but considering the Rams' injuries, the Packers have to win this game and avoid falling to 2-3.
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