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Davante Adams' murky status hurts Rams even more vs. Seahawks

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

WR Davante Adams' murky status puts Rams at bigger disadvantage heading into crucial Seahawks game

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Dec 17, 2025 9:15 PM ET

Things keep going askew for the Los Angeles Rams heading into their crucial Week 16 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on "Thursday Night Football."

On Wednesday, Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) was listed as doubtful on the team's injury report, signaling he won't play against the Seahawks. The team's travel plans then went awry.

"The Rams' team flight that was supposed to be leaving any minute now is expected to be significantly delayed due to an equipment issue with the plane, per sources," wrote ESPN's Adam Schefter on X. "The team is currently on alternative travel arrangements to prevent any further delays getting to Seattle."

L.A. figured it out. Schefter later tweeted the team had to send players and coaches on a flight at 9:25 p.m. ET, and the rest of the staff on another plane. Consider the hassle another bad omen for the Rams, who didn't need any more stress heading into the NFC West clash with playoff implications.

The Rams’ new game plan for their trip to Seattle: Players and coaches now will leave on a 737 scheduled at 5:25 pm PT. The remainder of the Rams’ staff will leave later on another plane. https://t.co/bCkb6TY5RV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 18, 2025

Why Rams may be at a disadvantage against Seahawks

The Rams (11-3) rank second in the league in passing yards (257.1), but the Seahawks' seventh-ranked passing defense (191.4 YPG) stopped the high-powered unit in their previous matchup in Week 11. In a 21-19 Rams win, Seattle (11-3) held L.A. to a season-low 130 passing yards.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, meanwhile, posted a below-average 89.9 passer rating, his third-lowest mark this season. The last time he played Seattle, the 37-year-old QB wasn't preparing for the game after a short week.

"Physically," Stafford said Tuesday when asked what the most challenging part of a quick turnaround is. "I think that's the most difficult part, especially this late in the season, going into our 15th game we'll be playing, and you have 14 under the belt, and then trying to turn around and play in a couple days is tough, especially for somebody as old as I am."

A taxed Stafford may struggle without Adams, his No. 2 WR behind third-year star Puka Nacua. The six-time Pro Bowler leads the league in touchdown catches, with 14 in 14 games.

The Rams could hope Seahawks QB Sam Darnold flops again. In Week 11 against L.A., he tossed a season-high four interceptions and zero touchdown passes. However, the QB has played much cleaner since the loss to L.A., throwing just one interception.

A victory for Seattle could help it snatch the No. 1 seed in the NFC away from L.A. According to The Athletic, the Seahawks will have a 53% chance of securing the conference's top seed if they win Thursday.

Adams' absence and the Rams' travel inconveniences may tip the scales in the Seahawks' favor. As of Wednesday, DraftKings Sportsbook lists Seattle as a 1.5-point favorite.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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