An already injury-riddled Los Angeles Rams defense will be without another top defender this week as team captain and defensive signal caller Nate Landman has been ruled out.
Landman will not play after entering the concussion protocol this week. The linebacker has never missed a game in his Rams career and is a pivotal part of their defensive structure, featuring in 71 of the 72 defensive snaps played last week against the Arizona Cardinals.
On top of Landman's absence, the unit lost Poona Ford for the season and Kobie Turner to short-term injured reserve this week, while Myles Garrett is still waiting to return. Landman is the team's leading tackler, recording 27 solo and 51 total tackles.
He also has two forced fumbles thanks to his excellent
execution of the "peanut punch" on ball carriers.
Rams star WR Puka Nacua is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Raiders.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) October 23, 2026
CB Trent McDuffie is also questionable.
LB Nate Landman is out.
It's not known at this time who will be the defensive signal-caller will be on defense, but Quentin Lake has performed the job before, and he plays every snap; thus, he's presumed to take the role.
With Landman out, the team has Omar Speights, Shaun Dolac, and Grant Stuard on their roster, and they will elevate Eric Kendricks off the practice squad.
The Rams take on the Las Vegas Raiders this week at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams rule out top linebacker vs. Raiders this Sunday
