The Los Angeles Rams head into Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans without two key contributors on offense, while Tennessee will also be missing critical starters in the trenches. Both teams released their inactive lists Sunday morning, setting the stage for a matchup that could be decided at the line of scrimmage.
Rams’ Offensive Line Depth Tested
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Rams offensive lineman Steve Avila (ankle) and tight end Colby Parkinson (shoulder) were both ruled inactive, as expected after being listed as doubtful throughout the week. They join quarterback Stetson Bennett IV, offensive lineman D.J. Humphries, and defensive end Desjuan Johnson on the Week 2 inactive list.
The Rams had already absorbed several bumps and bruises coming out of their Week 1 win over the Texans, with Avila and Parkinson the most significant losses. Wide receiver Puka Nacua played through a cut that required stitches, while guard Kevin Dotson was able to avoid the inactive list — a key development given the challenge of blocking Titans star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
Head coach Sean McVay underscored Dotson’s importance in the trenches:
“He’s a great player and [Titans defensive tackle T’Vondre] Sweat is too. They’re excellent across the board. This is a defense that… there’s a style of play and this team is tough as a whole. We have a lot of respect. We have our work cut out for us. Kevin Dotson brings so much to us.”
With Avila sidelined, McVay emphasized the need for versatility and balance on offense, hinting at more two-tight end looks to support the run game and pass protection.
“Health continuity is a big thing,” McVay said. “We didn’t do a good enough job [last week], and we’re aware of that. Any good offense… has the ability to do either [run or pass]. You have to have balance and be committed to bringing those things to life and be a complete offense.”
Titans Also Lose Key Linemen
The Titans’ inactive list was highlighted by rookie right tackle JC Latham and nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat, both ruled out due to injury. That leaves Tennessee without two of its most promising young players in the trenches.
Also inactive for Tennessee: cornerbacks Jalyn Armour-Davis and Samuel Womack III, safety Kevin Winston Jr., running back Kalel Mullings, and guard Jackson Slater.
Full Inactive Lists
Los Angeles Rams
- QB Stetson Bennett IV
- OL D.J. Humphries
- TE Colby Parkinson
- OL Steve Avila
- DE Desjuan Johnson
Tennessee Titans
- RT JC Latham
- NT T’Vondre Sweat
- CB Jalyn Armour-Davis
- S Kevin Winston Jr.
- RB Kalel Mullings
- CB Samuel Womack III
- G Jackson Slater
A Trench War Without Its Movers
With Avila and Parkinson sidelined for Los Angeles, and Latham and Sweat out for Tennessee, both offensive and defensive fronts will look different than expected. McVay’s group will need to protect Matthew Stafford against a Titans defense still anchored by Simmons, while Tennessee must reshuffle an offensive line already under scrutiny.
Both teams have enough depth to adjust, but Sunday’s matchup could come down to which side handles its personnel losses better.
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