RamsSuper Bowl applicants riding on five game winning streakwill play at least the next four games of the season without three veterans in the starting lineup.
The Rams posted a safety on Wednesday. Quentin Laketight end Tyler Higbee and right tackle Rob Havenstein from injured reserve.
Lake, who had surgery Tuesday for a dislocated left elbow, Higbee (ankle) and Havenstein (knee/ankle) must miss at least four games before they can return. The earliest return will be Dec. 18 against the Seahawks in Seattle.
“You don't replace players like that,” McVay said of the experience and leadership that won't be there when the Rams play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at Sophie Stadium. “You can't expect others to be able to do it. You expect the guys who get the opportunity to prove themselves to be the best versions of themselves.”
Lake, 26, was injured last Sunday in a win over the Seattle Seahawks that improved the Rams' record to 8-2. McVay noted that if Lake returns, it could be the playoffs.
Josh Wallace played in place of Lake as a hybrid corner/linebacker. McVay said the Rams will continue to evaluate and formulate a plan to replace Lake, but are expected to consider using a combination that includes guards Cam Kinchens, Wallace and cornerbacks Kobe Durant and Roger McCreery.
Higbee was also injured against the Seahawks.
The 10th-year senior has 20 receptions, including two for touchdowns, leading the team. narrow end group that includes Davis Allen, Colby Parkinson and rookie Terrence Ferguson, who is expected to take on a larger role in Higbee's absence.
Havenstein, an 11-year pro, played the first four games before being sidelined for three games with injuries. Third-year pro Warren McClendon played in his place.
Havenstein returned against the New Orleans Saints and played the final three games, but McVay said his time on injured reserve will allow him to return to full strength.
“Both of these guys are obviously outstanding leaders and catalysts for our team and our offense,” quarterback Matthew Stafford said of Higbee and Havenstein. “But we'll just move forward with the guys we have and then hopefully those guys can get healthy and be ready to go at some point.”
In related moves, the Rams signed offensive lineman Harrison Mevis to the active roster, claimed cornerback Chris Smith II off waivers from the Las Vegas Raiders and signed cornerback Alex Johnson to the practice squad.
