The Los Angeles Rams announced that wide receiver Tutu Atwell has been placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol after leaving the Week 14 game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Atwell suffered the head injury on just his ninth snap of the game as he was hit hard on a pass attempt from Matthew Stafford that wound up falling incomplete. Atwell was evaluated for a concussion and wound up being ruled out for the game, watching the Rams’ 37-31 overtime loss from the sidelines.
The Rams are now set to host the Washington Commanders in Week 15 and Atwell’s status is in serious jeopardy for that game. After being placed in the concussion protocol, Atwell now must pass a variety of tests throughout the week in order to get cleared to play. While not impossible, the majority of players that get placed in the concussion protocol miss at least one game of action.
Atwell is having a career season as the Rams’ primary deep threat as he has appeared in all 13 games and already set career-highs in receptions (37) receiving yards (476) and touchdowns (three).
The good news for the Rams is that they have a lot of depth at the wide receiver position to help make up for the loss of Atwell, however long he’s out.
L.A. boasts two of the best receivers in the league in Cooper Kupp and rookie Puka Nacua, both of which are having great years.
Demarcus Robinson has also begun to emerge in recent weeks, particularly against the Ravens in Atwell’s absence. Robinson finished with three receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown and has now scored in back-to-back games for the Rams.
The Rams offense has been rolling in recent weeks despite the loss to the Ravens. Even if Atwell is forced to miss time, Stafford still has plenty of weapons to keep it going in Week 15 against the Commanders.
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