The NFL began playing regular-season games in London eighteen years ago. Today’s return to Wembley Stadium will be No. 42 in England.
And the contest between the 4-2 Rams and 4-2 Jaguars is only the second between two teams with winning records at the time the game is played.
The first happened three years ago, when the 3-1 Giants faced the 3-1 Packers. The Giants, perhaps spurred by a unique battle cry from the Brits, prevailed.
But it’s not as if the NFL deliberately schedules games between teams that the locals would describe as wankers. It’s just how the schedule plays out.
This year, both the Rams and Jaguars have gotten off to a good start. One will get to 5-2. And the game will be played in a steady rain on a surface that at times has been slippery when dry.
An odd scheduling quirk has the Rams playing their full slate of five interconference games in the first seven weeks of the NFL regular season.
The Rams would surely love to have even more AFC games. They’re 4-0 against the AFC this season, with wins over the Texans, Titans, Colts, and Ravens. The Rams are also 0-2 against the NFC, with losses to the Eagles and 49ers.
L.A. will go for the 5-0 AFC sweep on Sunday in London, against the Jaguars.
Overall, the Rams have won seven games in a row against AFC teams. It’s the longest active interconference winning streak in the league.
The Rams’ final 10 games will be played exclusively against NFC teams. And that 0-2 record could become an issue when the time comes to apply tiebreakers after Week 18.
The Rams will not have their top offensive weapon when they play the Jaguars on Sunday in London.
Via multiple reporters, the Rams announced on Friday that receiver Puka Nacua has been ruled out for the contest.
Nacua is dealing with an ankle injury suffered during the Week 6 win over the Ravens. While it was initially reported Nacua’s status was in doubt for Week 7, McVay still termed the receiver day-to-day.
But Nacua has not been able to get on the practice field. Nacua leads the Rams with 54 catches and 616 receiving yards.
With Nacua out, the spotlight will be on veteran receiver Davante Adams. He’s caught 26 passes for 369 yards with three TDs so far this season.
McVay also noted the Rams won’t have right tackle Rob Havenstein, who has also been ruled out with an ankle injury.
The rest of Los Angeles’ roster is set to play against Jacksonville, including receiver Tutu Atwell (hamstring) and running back Blake Corum (ankle).
Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua was not able to get on the practice field on Thursday.
Los Angeles officially listed Nacua (ankle) as a non-participant for the team’s second practice of the week in Baltimore. The Rams have been practicing at Camden Yards in advance of their matchup against the Jaguars in London on Sunday.
Head coach Sean McVay called Nacua day-to-day earlier this week.
Right tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle) also remained out of practice on Thursday.
Running back Blake Corum (ankle) returned to the field after being a non-participant on Wednesday as a limited participant on Thursday. Outside linebacker Josiah Stewart (illness) was also upgraded from DNP to full.
Receiver Tutu Atwell (hamstring) and inside linebacker Omar Speights (ankle) were upgraded from limited to full.
Tight end Colby Parkinson (concussion) remained a full participant.
Wide receiver Puka Nacua will miss the first Rams practice of the week.
Nacua injured his ankle in last Sunday’s win over the Ravens and head coach Sean McVay told reporters that he will not take part in practice on Wednesday. McVay called Nacua day-to-day on Monday and said he did not appear to have a long-term injury, but reports have indicated that the wideout is unlikely to play in Week 7 against the Jaguars.
The Rams have a bye in Week 8, which would give Nacua an extended time to recover while only missing one game.
McVay said that running back Blake Corum and right tackle Rob Havenstein will also miss practice as they nurse ankle injuries. Wide receiver Tutu Atwell (hamstring) is expected to be a limited participant after missing the Ravens game.
