Van Jefferson will once again be the Rams’ No. 3 receiver this season, but he faces some additional challenges as Week 1 approaches. Jefferson has undergone not one, but two offseason surgeries on his knee.
The second procedure wasn’t planned until Jefferson tweaked his knee in practice, requiring minor surgery to fix the issue. The timing of the injury was poor, not only because it brings his Week 1 status into question, but because he was coming off maybe the best practice he’s ever had as a Ram.
“I’m sick for Van Jefferson that he was really coming off arguably his best practice as a Ram, looking great, has a little bit of a setback,” McVay said on “Inside Rams Camp” this week. “Fortunately, we’re gonna get him back.”
McVay didn’t specify when Jefferson will be back, and it’s still unclear if he’ll be ready for the season opener on Sept. 8, but there’s still a chance he’ll be on the field against the Bills. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported Tuesday that Jefferson has begun training in his rehab and has a chance to play in Week 1.
Tutu Atwell and Ven Skowronek have gotten more opportunities in Jefferson’s place, as has Brandon Powell. And McVay likes what he’s seen from all three.
“What (Jefferson’s injury) has done is create opportunities for Tutu Atwell to show he’s capable. Ben Skowronek, Brandon Powell. Those are the positives, even though you don’t ever want to lose a guy,” McVay said.
When healthy, Jefferson is likely to still be the No. 3 receiver this season, but Atwell is pushing for snaps, too.
