Rams' Jefferson won't play opener vs. Bills with knee injury

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson won't play Thursday against the Buffalo Bills due to a knee injury, the team announced Wednesday.

Jefferson hasn't practiced this week. He underwent surgery in August and was expected to miss multiple weeks.

The 26-year-old ranked second on the team last year with 802 yards and six touchdowns on 50 receptions. He also caught nine passes for 102 yards during the playoffs while helping the Rams win Super Bowl LVI in February.

Second-year pass-catcher Ben Skowronek is expected to slide in as Los Angeles' No. 3 wide receiver versus the Bills. He finished 2021 with only 11 receptions, 133 yards, and no touchdowns after being drafted in the seventh round.

All-Pro wideout Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson headline the Rams' wide receiver depth chart. The reigning Super Bowl champions also roster Tutu Atwell and Brandon Powell.