Marcus Spears breaks down the expectations for the Rams against the Texans on Sunday. (0:43).
Will the Rams fall to the struggling Texans or will they? (0:43).
THOUSAND OAKS (Calif.) -- DeSean Jack and the Los Angeles Rams have reached an apparent crossroads just seven games into DeSean Jackson's tenure as a veteran receiver in Los Angeles.
Sean McVay, the coach, stated Friday that Jackson has been allowed to explore trade options. Jackson will not be playing Sunday against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
McVay stated, "I think it boils down that opportunities that he's entitled to and the situation and some circumstances that surround him."
The NFL trade deadline is November 2.
The Rams needed a high-threat receiver and signed Jackson to a $4.5 million one-year contract. This included $2.75M guaranteed. Jackson signed with the Rams to reunite him with McVay who was one of Jackson's coaches with Washington Football Team. It also served as a homecoming to the Los Angeles native, who expressed a desire to win a Super Bowl back in his home town.
The 14-year-old pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection was not used in the offense during the Rams' 6-1 start. He caught eight passes for 221 yards, and one touchdown.
McVay, following a Week 2 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, promised a way for Jackson, 34, to be more involved. Jackson had only played three snaps and was not targeted.
In a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the following week, Jackson caught three passes for 120 yard and scored his only touchdown reception of the season. It was a 75-yard pass from Matthew Stafford. McVay ran down the sideline to celebrate the occasion with Jackson.
McVay stated that Jackson's possible departure would not cause a void in the offense.
McVay said, "No. McVay stated, "No. McVay stated, "I think he is a tremendous player with a great track record. I believe that all the circumstances that surround him that allow them to be open-minded. He hasn't been able to achieve his goals and he should be able to explore other options.
McVay was unable to answer McVay's question about Jackson staying on the team, if there wasn't another option.
He said, "I'll have more details on that moving forward."
Cooper Kupp is the Rams' leading receiver with 56 catches, 809 yards and nine touchdowns. Robert Woods is next with 35 receptions for 423 yard and three touchdowns. Van Jefferson, a second-year pro, has caught 21 passes for 394 yards and three touchdowns.
Andrew Whitworth, left tackle, will not be playing Sunday due to a knee injury. Sebastian Joseph-Day, starting defensive lineman is also out with a pec injury.
Safety Jordan Fuller, cornerback Robert Rochell, and cornerback Jalen Ramsay are all in doubt.
McVay stated that Fuller's and Rochells' statuses would become clearer after Friday practice and that Ramsey should be able play.