THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) — Rams receiver Van Jefferson has been ruled out for Los Angeles' season opener against Buffalo on Thursday night while recovering from knee surgery.
Jefferson still hasn't returned to practice after having surgery early in training camp. The Rams still waited until Wednesday to confirm he won't play when the team raises its Super Bowl banner at SoFi Stadium and hosts the Bills in the NFL's first game of the season.
Jefferson started all 21 games and was a key complementary receiver as a second-year pro last season for the champions, finishing second on the roster to NFL receiving leader Cooper Kupp in yards receiving (802) and touchdown catches (6).
He added nine receptions for 102 yards in the postseason, including four catches in the Super Bowl — after which he immediately rushed to the hospital for the birth of his son.
Ben Skowronek, Tutu Atwell and kick returner Brandon Powell could all get playing time in Jefferson's absence behind Kupp and newcomer Allen Robinson. Skowronek had 11 catches in the regular season and two more in the playoffs as a rookie last year, while Atwell's rookie season ended early with an injury.
