Davante Adams returns from injury as the Los Angeles Rams target a deep playoff run against the Carolina Panthers
Davante Adams is set to return from injury as the Rams prepare for the wild-card round against Carolina. After missing three games late in the season, Adams says the team is focused on more than just one playoff win. His comeback boosts an already powerful offense, and the veteran receiver believes his chemistry with Matthew Stafford gives Los Angeles a real chance at a deep postseason run.
The Los Angeles Rams head into the playoffs with confidence as wide receiver Davante Adams returns from a knee injury.
Adams is expected to be back on the field Saturday when the fifth-seeded Rams travel to face the Carolina Panthers in the wild-card round. The veteran receiver missed the final three regular-season games after suffering a hamstring injury and later revealed he was also dealing with a knee issue. Still, Adams made it clear he didn’t fight through rehab just to be done after one game.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the quarterback said, “We've got bigger goals in mind than to just survive the first round of the playoffs. I think everybody is going to have that mindset of being locked in the whole time and staying present in the moment so we can take care of business this week, and then you get ready for next week.”
This will be Adams’ first playoff appearance since January 2022, when his Green Bay Packers lost to San Francisco. He failed to reach the postseason during his time with the Raiders and Jets, making this opportunity with the Rams feel even more meaningful. Saturday’s game will be the 12th playoff appearance of his career.
Before getting hurt, Adams played a key role in the league’s most explosive offense. He finished the regular season with 60 catches for 789 yards and led the NFL with 14 touchdown receptions, despite appearing in only 14 games. His season was slowed after he was injured during a comeback win over Detroit in mid-December.
The Rams struggled briefly without him, losing two straight games and falling out of the No. 1 seed race in the NFC. Watching the final three games of the regular season from the sideline wasn’t easy, but Adams said it reminded him of his responsibility as a leader.
“Especially me being in the position I’m in, guys are looking at me for leadership and direction still, in the midst of me battling with injuries. I’ve still got to be there for them, be strong for the team.” Adams said about figuring out how to manage his rehab.
Adams believes his connection with quarterback Matthew Stafford will pick up right where it left off. The two built strong chemistry during the season, especially in the red zone, and the Rams believe having their top target back makes them a serious playoff threat.
Now healthy, Adams is focused on the bigger picture, meaningful football, and maybe one last shot at a Super Bowl.