After missing the last three games of the season, re-aggravating a hamstring injury against the Detroit Lions in Week 15, veteran wide receiver Davante Adams was able to return for the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
However, after getting off to a slow start, Adams was forced to make his way to the medical tent. He took a huge hit on a deep pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford, and here’s everything to know about his status.
What Happened to Los Angeles Rams WR Davante Adams?
During the Rams’ second drive of the second half, Stafford and Los Angeles’ offense were moving down the field despite some inconsistency from Stafford to start the third quarter. After crossing the 50-yard line, the Rams found themselves in a third-and-five at the Panthers’ 43.
Stafford would throw a deep shot to Adams, and as he tried to haul in the pass, Panthers safety Nick Scott drilled the 12th-year wideout with his helmet-to-helmet contact, drawing an unnecessary roughness penalty for a hit on a defenseless receiver. While he would need a moment, Adams would get up and walk to the sideline under his own power.
Davante Adams just got ANNIHILATED pic.twitter.com/UaWT07vAIx
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) January 10, 2026
However, the FOX broadcast panned over to the sideline showing Adams displaying a bloody lip/mouth to the trainers on the sideline as they motioned him to the medical tent.
The Rams star went through the concussion protocol but shortly returned to the bench after being cleared. He would return to the field on the Rams’ next drive and was the wideout targeted by Stafford on his first interception.
While not nearly as highly rated as his teammate, Puka Nacua, who ranks as PFSN’s No. 1 wide receiver with a league-leading score of 98.2 in the WR Impact Metric, Adams’ contributions to the offense this season have been huge, leading the league with 14 touchdown receptions. The Rams as a unit are also the highest-rated offense in the league, scoring a 92.3 in PFSN’s Offense Impact Metric.
While he did not come anywhere close to his standard of 1,000 yards in a season, he did see his touchdown total rise back to levels reminiscent of his days with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. If Los Angeles is able to fend off a determined Panthers squad and make a Super Bowl run, Adams will need to be a major part of that.
