Rams' WR situation seems tenuous heading into opener

Rams' WR situation seems tenuous heading into opener
By Alden Gonzalez

[www.espn.com]

The Los Angeles Rams are carrying seven receivers on their 53-man roster, tied with the Green Bay Packers for most in the NFL -- and that isn't necessarily a testament to their depth at the position.

Rams wideouts racked up the fewest yards, the fewest first downs and the fourth-fewest touchdowns last season. And the unit appears just as unsteady heading into the Week 1 opener on Monday night, regardless of the volume. Two of the seven receivers might not play, another might be hobbled, another has struggled with drops, another is a late-round draft pick, and the two best ones haven't produced like top-end receivers in recent years.

Here's a look at where the group stands heading into the Monday Night Football matchup against the San Francisco 49ers from Santa Clara, California. ...

Tavon Austin: The Rams gave Austin a lavish four-year, $42 million extension based largely on what his production could be. Austin is coming off his best season, which included 473 receiving yards and 434 rushing yards. The dynamic playmaker basically only touched the ball one time in the preseason, but that isn't any indication of where he fits in the offense. The Rams hope to double -- yes, double -- Austin's production and are being secretive about his usage.

Kenny Britt: He's the veteran of the group, having compiled 3,879 yards over the course of his seven-year career. His 1,429 yards in the last two seasons rank 50th. But it isn't all Britt's fault. The 27-year-old specializes in stretching the field for an offense that doesn't throw the ball deep very often, particularly with Case Keenum at quarterback. The Rams had the fewest passing plays of 20 yards or more last season with 35.

Pharoh Cooper
The Rams like the potential of Pharoh Cooper, but he won't likely make his regular-season debut Monday because of a shoulder injury.
Pharoh Cooper: The Rams are excited about their fourth-round pick out of South Carolina, a versatile receiver who can contribute a multitude of ways and is a menace after the catch. Cooper had already cemented himself as the Rams' No. 3 receiver, but he suffered a shoulder injury on an acrobatic catch in Week 3 of the preseason and will probably miss the opener. The Rams hope he can make it back shortly.

Brian Quick: Quick might not have even made the final roster if not for the Rams' uncertainty at this position. That's a crazy thought when you consider his projections upon being drafted 33rd overall out of Appalachian State in 2012. Quick has struggled to catch the football. His catch percentage last season, 31.3, was the eighth-lowest in the NFL. He had 32 targets and reeled in only 10 of those, then continued to drop passes during the preseason.

Bradley Marquez: The second-year wide receiver was in a walking boot after Week 2, but only missed about a week of action with an injury to his right ankle. He returned for the preseason finale 12 days later, connected with Jared Goff on a 30-yard pass play in the opening possession and hobbled back to the huddle. Marquez remained in the game and the Rams hope he is completely healed by the opener. Marquez caught 13 passes for 88 yards as an undrafted rookie last season.

Mike Thomas: A sixth-round pick out of Southern Miss, Thomas compiled 52 receiving yards in the preseason, hauling in four of his 10 targets. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Thomas is good at catching passes in traffic. He became one of the country's most productive amateur receivers after leaving junior college, finishing 2015 with 71 catches for 1,391 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Nelson Spruce: The Rams -- and their fans -- are excited about Spruce, a possession receiver who flashed his ability to create space and secure catches by racking up a team-best 51 yards and a touchdown in the preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys. But Spruce also sprained his knee in that game and hasn't practiced with the team since, though he has done some light work on his own. Upon return, Spruce could become a focal point of the offense. But he'll likely sit out Week 1.