As the Los Angeles Rams gear up for a potentially division-deciding contest against the Seattle Seahawks, they might have to turn to an unproven pass catcher.
With Davante Adams's status as “doubtful” after he aggravated a hamstring injury in the Rams’ 41-34 win over the Detroit Lions, rookie Konata Mumpfield could play an expanded role.
The Pittsburgh product and seventh-round pick has seen his snap counts increase from less than 20% in each of the first six games of the season to around 40% almost every week since. With Adams unlikely to play, Mumpfield is next in line to fill the veteran’s role.
“(Mumpfield) would step up,” coach Sean McVay said Tuesday. “We've got a bunch of guys that have played meaningful football that know all the spots, but ‘Mump’ has done a really good job.”
Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said Mumpfield has similar traits to Adams, noting how both are “wired in their lower halves” and see the game well. Mumpfield has recognized how similar he is to Adams and is trying to replicate some of his tendencies, LaFleur added.
Still, the 23-year-old has only hauled in five catches for 42 yards and a touchdown this season. His one score set the tone in the Rams' 35-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
“(Mumpfield's) been out there and shown it's not too big for him,” LaFleur said. “You trust him. The quarterback trusts him. The coaches trust him. His teammates trust him. He's a rookie just by obviously being a rookie, but he doesn't conduct himself that way when he’s on the field or how he conducts himself around this building.”
McVay noted that the team would consider their distribution of their eligible players on each play, should Adams be out. He doesn’t really view the possible absence as an opportunity for the offense to evolve in different ways, but rather as an unfortunate circumstance to adapt to.
On Tuesday, McVay said he wouldn’t rule any players out, and that he wanted to give Adams “every chance they’ve got” to play against the Seahawks. Adams did not practice all week, according to the availability report.
“It's really more about how do you distribute your five eligibles,” McVay said. “We have to be able to have a plan for if (Adams) is (available) and if he isn't. Those are our jobs and our responsibilities with the contingency plans.”
Andrew Boyers-Reuters via Imagn Images
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Konata Mumpfield (15) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half during an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium.
The Rams, first in the NFC, are drawn even at 11-3 with the Seahawks, but the winner of Thursday’s contest would move into the driver's seat for the conference and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Despite narrowly defeating the Seahawks 21-19 about a month ago, the visitors would have a steeper climb if Adams is out. The 32-year-old scored a touchdown in the previous meeting, his only catch of the affair.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford acknowledged the importance of Thursday’s matchup and the difficulty of a short week on the road, but he expects his squad to be up to the test.
And if Mumpfield replaces Adams, Stafford has faith in the young talent to step up.
“If (Mumpfield) had to have an expanded role, I have a ton of trust and confidence in his preparation, the coaching staff around him, and that room to get all those guys really ready to play, whoever is available,” Stafford said.
