Rams WR Tutu Atwell (hamstring) expected to return vs. Panthers

Los Angeles Rams receiver Tutu Atwell is coming off injured reserve expected to return to action Sunday vs. Carolina, coach Sean McVay told reporters on Monday.

Atwell, 26, has been sidelined since Oct. 19 with a hamstring injury. The fifth-year wideout has four catches for 164 yards and a touchdown in six games this season.

"He's chomping at the bit to get back out there," McVay said. "And so my expectation is he'll be playing against the Panthers."

Atwell's 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve is set to be opened this week, the first week he is eligible to return.

His addition would add another weapon to Los Angeles' highly productive passing game. Matthew Stafford leads the NFL in passing touchdowns (30, seven more than anyone else) and ranks fifth in passing yards (2,830) through Week 12.

Puka Nacua ranks third in the league with 947 receiving yards this season while Davante Adams leads the league with 12 touchdown catches -- three more than anyone else. Stafford threw two of his three TD passes to Adams on Sunday night when the Rams (9-2) blasted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34-7.

Atwell, a second-round pick by the Rams in the 2021 NFL Draft, has made 27 starts in 60 career games, recording 103 catches for 1,507 yards and five touchdowns.

--Field Level Media