Week one of the NFL season is upon us. On Sunday, September 12th, 2021 the Los Angeles Rams will be welcoming the Chicago Bears to SoFi Stadium. The Rams will be looking to start the season off right with a win at home. Let’s take a look at the injury report for each team and how that may effect the game.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams will be missing only one starter this week. However, they will be missing four players in reserve roles. Let’s take a look at the Rams injury report. Coleman Shelton was activated off the COVID/Reserve list.
Cam Akers
The biggest name on this list is of course, Cam Akers. Unfortunately, Akers was placed on injured reserve for the season after suffering a torn achilles during camp. Akers will be missed. However, Darrell Henderson and Sony Michel should provide enough to have a steady run game.
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo figures to be a regular presence as a rotational pass rusher for the Rams. Okoronkwo has struggled with injuries throughout his young career. His season has not started off great as he suffered a shoulder injury in preseason. Okoronkwo will miss at least three weeks after being placed on short-term injured reserve.
Tremayne Anchrum
Tremayne Anchrum is out for at least three weeks as well with a knee injury. Thankfully, Anchrum is not a starter on the offensive line. However, this injury hits close to home as the Rams are already perceived to lack depth on the offensive line.
Chris Garrett
Chris Garrett is also out with a COVID/Reserve designation. Garrett isn’t a starter either but he was exciting to see in the preseason. He could have figured into the edge rotation with Okoronkwo out as well. The preseason darling’s Rams debut will just have to wait.
Ben Skowronek
Ben Skowronek inevitably figures to be a prominent player on special teams. However, after suffering a fractured forearm during preseason he has missed out on valuable reps. As of the final injury report he is listed as doubtful. He very likely will not dress for this game.
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Chicago Bears
The Bears are missing four starters this week. They will also be missing a reserve player. Let’s take a look at the Bears injury report. There are also a handful of players that are questionable.
Tarik Cohen
Tarik Cohen suffered a season-ending ACL tear last season. Cohen has since been placed on the physically unable to perform list this year. This means that unfortunately for the Bears he is out at least six weeks. Being out against the Rams hurts as Cohen is a key piece of their offense. The Bears offense is likely going to struggle against a tough Rams defense.
Teven Jenkins
Teven Jenkins was supposed to be Chicago’s stud offensive tackle. Unfortunately a back injury that required surgery has sidelined him thus far. He was placed on injured reserve and although he could potentially return at some point barring the status of his back, he is out against the Rams and for the forseeable future. The Bears are already thin at talent on the offensive line. Jenkins being out amplifies the pressure on Andy Dalton.
Danny Trevathan
Danny Trevathan was placed on short-term injured reserve with a knee injury. His presence will be missed, particularly as a run defender. The Rams love to use the run to open up the passing game and this just makes that an easier task. Instead former Ram, Alec Ogletree will be Trevathan’s stand-in. The Rams know all too well what Ogletree can do but also what he can’t do.
Eddie Goldman
Eddie Goldman is a stout nose tackle and would be an immense help in stopping the run for the Bears on Sunday. Goldman has not participated in practice the entire week and is listed as doubtful for Sunday with a knee/ankle injury.
Mario Edwards Jr.
Mario Edwards Jr. has been suspended for the first two weeks on the NFL season. Edwards Jr. figures to be a rotational pass rusher as a defensive tackle. He would have been important in the Bears efforts to rattle Matthew Stafford. The absence of Edwards Jr. will make it a little bit easier on the offensive line of the Rams to protect Stafford.
The Bears have a myriad of players listed as questionable including Khalil Mack, Darnell Mooney, Robert Quinn, Eddie Jackson, and Tashaun Gipson. However, all but Gipson were full participants in practice on Friday. Gipson was limited in his participation. Generally these players will be playing unless something unforeseen takes place.