Oct 12, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) celebrates after a play against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Matthew Stafford's life this weekend just got much harder following latest updates for unique Rams matchup

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 7:10 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams are slated to play the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday morning in London. The last matchup between these squads included many different players than this one will, but the Rams did win that one 37-7 in 2021. Los Angeles will unfortunately be without two key players for their offensive unit, though.

Rams will be without right tackle and top receiver in Week 7

The Rams have ruled out RT Rob Havenstein and WR Puka Nacua ahead of their matchup with the Jaguars. Both are impact starters, and Nacua has been arguably the best receiver in football so far this season. With that, Matthew Stafford must make a major adjustment to how he distributes the football and runs his offense this week.

Rams WR Puka Nacua and RT Rob Havenstein are OUT for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars.

Everyone else is good to go.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) October 17, 2025

Stafford has often relied on Nacua as a huge third-down conversion threat and piece in the red zone. Although, Davante Adams has had his fair share of timely plays for LA quickly into his tenure with the team. I would expect him to get involved often as long as he is available, and Tutu Atwell may see an uptick in usage as well.

The tight end rotation for the Rams has been a consistent one, so don't be shocked if three of them jump onto the box score with Nacua missing the game.

Loss of Nacua opens the door for young pass catchers

It cannot be overstated how impressive Nacua has been this season. His performances and grit have helped other players hold down depth roles. Now, with the lights bright in a standalone matchup, young players like Jordan Whittington must play a notable role and make an impact in the passing game.

WRs with 50/500 this season:

— Ja'Marr Chase
— Puka Nacua

Left has played Week 7. Right is out Week 7. pic.twitter.com/DegzNOWDVa
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 17, 2025

Jordan Whittington in the “what the hell” FLEX conversation. 6-62-0, 7-89-0 and 3-86-0 receiving lines in three starts without Puka last season. Obvs Davante Adams going to get fed, but thinking Puka’s lower-aDot routes + screens + gritty releases through B-gap go to Whittington. https://t.co/N4T3iV0byL
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) October 16, 2025

Interested to see how Sean McVay decides to attack a defense who has been keen on forcing turnovers and coming up with big-time stops in their own territory. Jacksonville preys on teams who make timely mistakes, and that has been a problem at times for Stafford and running back Kyren Williams.

If that duo takes cares of the football, it will help mask any inefficiencies they have without their top target in the passing game.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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