What fills Rams WR2 depth chart gaps if Adams out?

Rams WR2 depth chart: Who steps up if a starter misses time?

The Rams WR2 depth chart matters more than many fans realize. Because injuries to Davante Adams or Puka Nacua can shift targets and game plans quickly. Here we look at the Rams WR2 depth chart if a starter is out and why backups matter.

Davante Adams is 33 and has shown wear. However, Puka Nacua missed multiple games last season and needs careful management. Cooper Kupp stayed healthy and remains a steady presence. Meanwhile, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, and C.J. Daniels form the next wave of options. Whittington has limited production but earned trust in key moments.

If Adams or Puka miss time the Rams must adjust personnel and play calling. Therefore, backups could move into WR2 or slot roles and create new chemistry challenges. In the sections that follow we break down snap work and matchup fits. We show who most likely becomes the next primary target. This analysis aims to show how depth chart shifts affect Los Angeles strategy.

Rams WR2 depth chart: Starters and current status

Davante Adams remains a top target, but he is 33 and showed wear in 2025. Because age matters, availability becomes a primary concern. Adams missed time with nagging issues before. Therefore the Rams must plan for reduced snaps or managed workloads.

Cooper Kupp supplies reliable production and durability. He played in all 20 possible games last season and remains a steady presence. As a result, Kupp stabilizes the receiving corps when others miss time.

Rams WR2 depth chart: Backups, competition and what to expect

Puka Nacua missed multiple games last season and missed six in 2024. Because of those absences, his health equals a wildcard for the depth chart. When Nacua exits, the team leans on backups and slot rotation.

Jordan Whittington operates as the team’s WR4 but he has carved useful reps. He totaled 22 catches for 293 yards in 2024 and 18 catches for 171 yards in 2025. In the playoffs he contributed two catches for 35 yards versus Chicago. Sean McVay has said they have confidence in Whittington, Konata Mumpfield and Xavier Smith continuing to improve.

Konata Mumpfield and C.J. Daniels add developmental and vertical options. Mumpfield showed flashes as a rookie, while Daniels brings college production and route polish. Les Snead added that “receiver is always in the mix here,” which implies the front office will keep adding competition. For more on roster movement and trade context see this link. For draft planning that affects depth see this link. For receiver room comparisons and market context see this link.

In short, Adams and Nacua define the top two spots. However backups matter because injuries or workload changes can thrust Whittington or others into a WR2 role. Depth will shape play calling, snap distribution and matchup planning.

Rams WR2 depth chart: Backup WR comparison

Below is a quick reference table. It compares key backup receivers. These players could step into a Rams WR2 depth chart role.

Rams WR2 depth chart: How depth shifts if a starter misses time

Injuries to Davante Adams or Puka Nacua would force quick changes to the Rams WR2 depth chart. Because both occupy top target roles, their absences change snap counts and route trees. Therefore coaches must decide which backups get expanded reps and which formations the offense favors.

Possible scenarios and immediate impacts

• If Davante Adams misses time, the Rams likely ask Cooper Kupp to absorb more intermediate and contested targets. As a result, the team may increase targets for slot and possession receivers. Consequently, Jordan Whittington could see more WR2 snaps in the slot.
• If Puka Nacua misses time, the Rams may rely on quick-game concepts and short crosses. Because Nacua handles high-volume slot work, backups would need to handle pace and route depth.
• If both starters miss time, the Rams would shift to conservative play calling more often, emphasizing short passing and tight end usage. Meanwhile, backups would compete for the WR2 designation and game-day roles.
• If injuries persist, the front office might pursue outside additions. Although the market varies, Les Snead has signaled receiver is always a priority.

Backup competition and player fit

• Jordan Whittington: Trusted as a WR4 and reliable in rotation. He averaged near 9.5 yards per catch. Therefore, Whittington is the most logical first option for expanded slot work.
• Konata Mumpfield: A 6’1″ developmental with 4.59 speed. He offers contested catch ability and size. As a result, he fits vertical and boundary snaps.
• C.J. Daniels: Brings college production and polished route craft. However, he is not Puka and may need time to transfer college timing to the NFL.
• Xavier Smith: Developmental receiver with limited NFL snaps. If given the opportunity, he could challenge for third-down work.

Strategic consequences for Los Angeles

• Personnel: Expect more 12 and 13 personnel packages when starters sit. Because tight ends and running backs help secure short-yardage reads, the Rams will lean on those groupings.
• Play design: Short, high-percentage throws will increase. Therefore, Matthew Stafford and the coaching staff will prioritize ball security and rhythm.
• Matchups: Opponents may press with physical slots. As a result, backups must show quick separation and reliable hands to maintain production.

In short, the Rams WR2 depth chart will flex based on health and matchups. Backups like Whittington, Mumpfield, Daniels, and Smith provide different looks. Therefore, competition will shape both playing time and offensive strategy.

Conclusion: Rams WR2 depth chart and what to watch

The Rams WR2 depth chart remains fluid and depends on health and matchups. Because Davante Adams and Puka Nacua anchor the top two spots, their availability dictates the offense’s looks. However, Cooper Kupp’s reliability and a group of developing backups give the team options.

If a starter misses time, backups like Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, C.J. Daniels, and Xavier Smith could compete for expanded snaps. As a result, the Rams may lean more on short passing, tight ends, and 12 and 13 personnel packages. Therefore, coaches will prioritize safe reads and high-percentage throws to protect rhythm and ball security.

In short, depth matters more than depth charts suggest. The Rams possess competent backups, but questions remain about consistency and separation. For cautious, analytical coverage and ongoing roster updates, follow Rams News LLC at Rams News LLC and on Twitter X via @ZachGatsby. We will track changes and report how the Rams WR2 depth chart evolves.

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