Rams expect Davante Adams to return from hamstring injury in time for wild-card game against Panthers
Despite missing the last three games of the regular season, Los Angeles Rams wideout Davante Adams still led the NFL in touchdown catches. Adams hauled in 14 scores, thanks to his elite route-running ability and Matthew Stafford's trust in the veteran receiver.
But as the regular season came to a close, questions emerged regarding Adams' availability for the playoffs. After missing three games with a hamstring injury, it was unclear whether Adams would be able to return when the team faced the Carolina Panthers in the wild-card round.
Rams head coach Sean McVay put those worries to rest Monday, however, announcing Adams is expected to face the Panthers on Saturday.
McVay admitted Adams probably could have returned to action in Week 18, but the team took a cautious approach with the 33-year-old wideout, per ESPN.
McVay said the Rams "erred on the side of caution" with Adams' return, and that it "pissed him off pretty good because of the competitor that he is."
"But he's got that look in his eye that I know he's ready to go," McVay said. "And man, you just feel better when you see No. 17 out there on our offense, and it poses a lot of different challenges for people to have to defend when you put that freaking stud back out on the grass for us."
NFL insider Jay Glazer issued a similar report prior to Sunday's game, saying Adams was pushing to play against the Cardinals, but was shut down by McVay. The Rams didn't need Adams to pick up a win in the contest, though. After overcoming a slow start, the Rams' offense broke out to score 37 points in a 17-point win over the Arizona Cardinals. That was likely exactly what McVay wanted to see after he announced he would play his starters in Week 18.
Adams was a revelation in his first season with the Rams. While the veteran posted his lowest yardage total since 2015, he made up for it with 14 scores. He proved to be the perfect complement to Puka Nacua and was a driving factor behind Stafford contending for the MVP award.
Adams' presence should go a long way toward giving the Rams an edge against the Panthers in the wild-card round. The Rams, however, are already heavy favorites for the contest, per BetMGM, and would have still been favored had Adams missed the contest.