HC Sean McVay says WR Robert Woods will be out for a couple of weeks. Says, “That’s a significant loss for us.”

Related players: Sammy Watkins, Cooper Kupp, Tavon Austin

As we reported earlier, Woods' shoulder was in a sling following the game. They host a big one this week against the Saints and the loss of Woods will hurt. Watkins, Kupp and Austin could all see more snaps and targets with Woods out.

Rams receiver Robert Woods left the locker room with a sling on his left arm after suffering a shoulder injury during the fourth quarter of a 24-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Rams coach Sean McVay said that he was uncertain about the severity of Woods’ injury. The Rams host a huge, later afternoon game on Sunday against the Saints, so owners will have to monitor the situation this week.

With his offseason work scuttled by a wrist injury and his training camp and preseason scrapped due to a hamstring problem, Rams receiver Tavon Austin is moving closer to finally making his return to action.

“We’re not going to play him against Green Bay,” coach Sean McVay told reporters on Sunday regarding Austin. “If it was a normal game week, I think he would be able to play. He’s made huge progress . . . over the last week where he’s running, reaching some higher speeds on the treadmill and stuff where it’s 100 percent of the weight that he’s supporting. So those have been some good things and you’ll start to figure out – we’re going to have to start brainstorming some ways with how we’re going to utilize Tavon in that [Week 1] game, which will be fun.”

Related players: Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp

McVay wouldn't say how Austin would be used. But as the story pointed out, he could see a lot less attention because of the other WRs, which could actually increase his production. Still, he's not a highly sought after fantasy player at this point, as he's only ranked 90th on our WR list.

"Just being in LA can help me out," new Rams wide receiver Sammy Watkins said, speaking to reporters for the first time in Los Angeles after getting traded from Buffalo. "Nice city. Nice weather. And just to be in this city with the players, just trying to chase a goal and win a championship and go to the playoffs. It's a blessing to be here, to be on real grass eight or nine games out of the year."

Watkins' occasionally injured legs will benefit from the Coliseum grass, and the Rams intend to benefit greatly from Watkins' speed and skill. He is expected to provide the deep threat that was among many things lacking for Los Angeles last season, when the Rams had the NFL's worst offense for the second straight year.

Related Players: Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Tavon Austin

Watkins' home games may be on grass now, and theoretically, that could give his lower body a better chance of staying healthy (I suppose); however, we see his move to L.A. as a big downgrade in offense and quarterbacks. Watkins was among our top-15 receivers before the trade. It will be a battle now, we project, for him to be a WR2 this season. Artificial versus natural surface aside, Watkins still has also missed 11 games in the last two years. Watkins is fantastic...when he plays. In 21 games over the last two seasons, he has averaged 4.2 catches for 70 yards and 0.52 touchdowns per game, but his questionable foot make him a boom/bust pick.

Barring any snags, Robert Woods intends to sign a 5-year, $39 million deal, including $15 million guaranteed, with Rams, per sources.

With Kenny Britt out of the picture, there are a ton of (poor quality) targets available with the Rams, and Woods is still just 24 years old. (He's turning 25 in April.) Woods has at least 550 receiving yards in each of his first four seasons and is a solid real-world WR2. His departure leaves a hole in Buffalo, so the Bills have some work to do to surround Tyrod Taylor with capable pass-catchers.

Bills Inactives
Charles Clay TE
Ronald Darby CB
Percy Harvin WR
Cardale Jones QB
Logan Thomas QB
Robert Woods WR
Jerel Worthy DT

Related players: Sammy Watkins

We saw a report yesterday that Clay was awaiting the birth of a child and looks like he's out this week. Meanwhile Watkins will play despite some foot issues this week.