Rams face injury concerns ahead of Chargers game as McVay praises defense, Aaron Donald

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams could be without several key players when they face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday at SoFi Stadium, with coach Sean McVay saying Friday that five players are questionable or doubtful.

Center Coleman Shelton, tight end Colby Parkinson, cornerback Trent McDuffie and wide receiver Jordan Whittington are questionable, and long snapper Joe Cardona is doubtful with an ankle injury.

Whittington was a late addition to the injury report after his back locked up shortly before McVay met with reporters.

"Jordan Whittington's back just locked up within the last 30 minutes," McVay said. "He's tough as it gets. You feel for him. He'll be listed as questionable."

Shelton (hip) and McDuffie (groin) were limited in practice Friday. Parkinson did not practice.

McVay said Dylan McMahon would likely start at center if Shelton can't play, and Jake McQuaide would handle long snapping if Cardona is out.

"Dylan McMahon has done a great job this week," McVay said. "He's had a lot of work. Ryan Wendell is always really good about getting a good rotation of guys, especially at that center position. Dylan's had a lot of work this week because of the approach we've taken with Coleman. I think he's handled it really well."

Whittington's status could also affect the Rams' special teams plans, including whether kicker Joshua Karty is elevated for the game. McVay said the staff has to consider how losing Whittington would affect the 48-player game-day roster and the team's ability to handle injuries during the game.

The Rams are already without two offensive playmakers: wide receiver Davante Adams and tight end Terrance Ferguson.

Adams ruptured his hamstring against the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 18 and was expected to miss six to 10 weeks. Ferguson is on injured reserve.

McVay said their absences have forced the staff to adjust its offensive approach.

"You're asking guys to step up and adjust and adapt, but you don't replace playmakers like those guys," McVay said. "It does change in terms of some of the personnel groupings you'll activate, when you would activate those specific players."

McVay pointed to the Rams' running backs, tight ends and young receivers, including Konata Mumpfield, as players taking advantage of bigger roles.

"You see some of those tight ends make some more plays last week," McVay said. "You see both backs get a good amount of carries. You see some of our receivers, 'Mump' makes a big catch on a second-and-10. You want to see some of those guys make their plays. Then obviously [Puka Nacua] will get his share as well."

McVay was more upbeat about the defense, which has put together two encouraging performances heading into Sunday's game against a Chargers team coming off its bye. He credited defensive coordinator Chris Shula and his staff for building schemes around their players' strengths.

"Physicality, strain, I think playing 11-as-one," McVay said when asked what has stood out. "I think we've been really good situationally, red area, some of the third downs and keeping people out of the end zone has been huge."

McVay noted that the defense went about seven quarters without allowing a touchdown over its last two games.

"More than anything, it's the style of play," McVay said. "Are we connected? Are we all getting to the football? Are we demonstrating the core four fundamentals that we emphasize on a daily basis? I think guys have been able to bring that to life and it's been good."

One player McVay believes is still improving is defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who returned to the Rams this season after two years away from football. McVay said Donald came back from retirement with a different perspective and a renewed appreciation for the game.

"I think he has a different perspective," McVay said. "Like anything else, I think there's an appreciation. There's a gratitude that he has having stepped away for a couple years and still being able to do that. I think you're watching a guy that is maturing and continuing to mature and that's very intentional about continuing to get better."

McVay also praised Donald's football knowledge.

"When he gets going on stuff that he's passionate about, he never shuts up," McVay said. "You guys see him as this introverted man of few words, but when he speaks, there's a lot of efficacy behind his words. He's a joy to be around."

McVay said the Rams still need to force more turnovers and protect the football on offense.

"I'm not a big stats guy, but the stats that do matter, obviously, points are the most important," McVay said. "Then outside of that, it's your turnover margin and your explosive play differential. Those things have been proven over time and we have to do a great job of it."

With the Chargers rested and the Rams working through another stretch of injuries, they will need contributions from throughout the roster Sunday.

"It's going to be a great challenge, especially with a lot of great players, them coming off the bye," McVay said. "We have to be ready to go."