What happened: Ahead of the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said Wednesday the club views the upcoming return of its own sidelined starters as its equivalent of midseason acquisitions. The stance comes one day after NFC West rivals Seattle and San Francisco traded with the Indianapolis Colts for All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson and three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. McVay said the Rams hope to get key contributors on both sides of the ball back within a month.

Why it matters: Standing pat leaves quarterback Matthew Stafford thin at wide receiver behind Puka Nacua, with Davante Adams on injured reserve for left hamstring surgery and Tutu Atwell and Konata Mumpfield filling in. Los Angeles passed on receiver depth such as USC wideout Makai Lemon in April with its selection of quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13 and already lacks its 2027 first-round pick. On defense, offseason additions Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie have missed time as the Rams try to keep pace in the division.

What to watch: McVay confirmed the Rams will not open Garrett's practice window this week, while McDuffie is questionable after logging a limited session Wednesday. General manager Les Snead has until the Nov. 10 deadline to decide whether to add external help or hold firm on internal recoveries.