The Los Angeles Rams entered their Week 1 matchup against the Houston Texans in unusually good health. Not a single player appeared on the team’s final injury report, prompting head coach Sean McVay to declare it was “all hands on deck” for the opener — a stark contrast to last season, when injuries mounted before the schedule even hit its stride.
Rams vs Texans Inactives
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That clean bill of health meant the Rams’ inactive list was comprised entirely of healthy scratches. Among them were two members of the team’s six-player draft class: running back Jarquez Hunter and defensive lineman Ty Hamilton. Both will have to wait at least another week to make their NFL debuts.
Hunter’s absence is particularly notable, given the Rams elevated Cody Schrader from the practice squad to serve as the team’s third running back behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Schrader’s promotion suggests Los Angeles values his experience and immediate reliability over throwing Hunter into the rotation on opening day.
The Rams’ other inactives were quarterback Stetson Bennett IV, offensive linemen Justin Dedich and David Quessenberry, and defensive end Desjuan Johnson. Each was designated a healthy scratch.
For Houston, the inactives list is headlined by injuries. Wide receivers Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios were both ruled out Friday with hamstring issues, thinning C.J. Stroud’s options in the passing game. Right guard Ed Ingram (abdomen) is also inactive after being listed questionable, while quarterback Graham Mertz, running back British Brooks, and defensive tackle Tommy Togiai round out the list.
With no health concerns to manage, the Rams’ roster decisions in Week 1 reflect confidence in their veteran depth and patience with their rookies. For Hunter and Hamilton, the wait to make an impact continues — but on a team with playoff aspirations, McVay and his staff appear focused on easing the transition for their first-year players.
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