INGLEWOOD — Sunday’s 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals was another exercise in frustration for the Rams’ offense. Another week of inconsistent play that never allowed momentum to get behind the team.
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Asked why the offense’s energy level seems to fluctuate from drive to drive, running back Kyren Williams pointed to his reduced role this season.
“I can’t tell you, bro,” Williams said. “Probably because I’m not out there.”
Williams has been the Rams’ workhorse back each of the last three seasons. He averaged 17.9 carries per game in that span while topping 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in each of those campaigns.
But starting late in 2025, the Rams began to move toward a more even split between Williams and backup Blake Corum with the idea that fresh legs would lead to more explosive plays by both backs.
That trend has continued into 2026, with Williams’ role reduced to 13.3 carries per game. But he has played a critical role in each of the Rams’ two wins this year with three touchdowns in the games.
Against the Cardinals, Williams’ role actually looked closer to earlier in his career. He played 40 snaps to Corum’s 16. But he had only 10 carries and three receptions for 67 total yards, while Corum carried the ball nine times and caught two passes for 60 yards and a touchdown.
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Asked if he wished he had the same percentage of snaps and carries as he has had in previous years, Williams tampered down his language slightly.
“I can’t really call that. It’s not on me,” Williams said. “But I just think no matter what, we gotta continue to have the energy. You gotta continue to, when plays are made, be excited, be happy so we uplift not only the offense but the defense and the special teams and just being able to have that camaraderie to where we’re playing off of each other and I think that’s what is going to allow us to be where we want to be.”
Injury report
Rams cornerback Trent McDuffie (groin) was inactive on Sunday after injuring himself in practice on Thursday.
Kicker Blake Grupe left the game in the first quarter with a knee injury. Head coach Sean McVay said he did not know the extent of Grupe’s injury.
Wide receiver Davante Adams left the game in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury. He did not speak with the media following the game.
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