Rams WR Van Jefferson 'Feeling Pretty Good' After Injury-Riddled 2022 Season
LOS ANGELES- Due to injuries at crucial positions, the Los Angeles Rams were abysmal during the 2022 season, starkly contrasting their triumphant Super Bowl victory just a year earlier.
As players regain their health and shift their focus towards the upcoming 2023 season, wide receiver Van Jefferson expressed his enthusiasm for returning to regular workouts after experiencing setbacks throughout the previous year.
"It's been great being back and working with … those guys, getting back to myself, and I'm feeling pretty good," he said, according to the team's website.
Jefferson was selected as a second-round pick in 2020 and capitalized on increased playing time during the Rams' Super Bowl season in 2021 as a result of injuries to wide receivers. The 26-year finished his second NFL season with 802 yards and six touchdowns, ranking second on the team, just behind Cooper Kupp.
Unfortunately, Jefferson could not build on his breakout season in 2022 due to injuries that limited his playing time. He underwent two knee surgeries during the offseason, with the second one occurring in August. That surgery delayed his season debut until Week 8. Even after his return, it took some time for him to regain his complete form, and with the 26-year-old not catching a pass until Week 11.
Jefferson ended the season with just 24 catches for 369 yards and three scores - a notable dip from his 50 receptions for 802 yards had six touchdowns in 2021.
With the Rams heading into the 2023 season, a healthy Jefferson would be a vital asset to the team, especially considering their limited depth in the wide receiver position.
Now that Jefferson is set to make his full return, his presence not only provides a much-needed boost to their playmaking on offense, but it will also give Matthew Stafford another set of reliable hands outside of the overloaded Cooper Kupp to distribute to in the passing game.
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