Rams vs. 49ers: Live updates, start time and betting odds

With star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua out due to injury, the Rams' need to establish a running attack on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium is even more pressing.

Running back Kyren Williams, who rushed for 1,144 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, has gotten off to a slow start for a team that is 0-2 for the first time under Sean McVay.

“It's early,” Williams said. “We're still working and it's a long season… We don't have the mindset that we're going to lose confidence because of a little adversity. It's just part of the game, something you just have to go through and process and you get better because of it.”

“I'm glad it's happening so early. We'll benefit from it later.”

Williams, a third-year pro, has rushed for just 75 yards on 30 carries, averaging just 2.5 yards per carry. Last season, he averaged five yards per carry.

In the season opener against the Detroit Lions, Williams ran for 25 yards and a touchdown in 12 carries. Against the Cardinals, he ran for 50 yards and a touchdown in 18 carries.

Against the Cardinals, the Rams fell behind 0-14 in the first quarter and 0-21 at the start of the second quarter.

“He's going to get going,” Offensive Coordinator Mike LaFleur said of Williams. “He's doing everything right…. For any player, but especially in the running game, you need all eleven [players]Period. The longer we are out there, the more we get into a rhythm.”

With offensive linemen Steve Avila, Joe Noteboom and Jonah Jackcon on the injured list, the Rams' offense is a patchwork. Right tackle Rob Havenstein returned from an ankle injury against the Cardinals and left tackle Alaric Jackson is back from a two-game suspension.

“The more continuity we have as an O-line, the better we can figure out what each other can do,” right guard Kevin Dotson said. “Once we have a little consistency, we're good.”