With Omar Speights injured, the Rams need a new starting LB next to Nate Landman
It’s looking like the Los Angeles Rams will be without starting linebacker Omar Speights on Sunday when they face the Baltimore Ravens, a big blow to a defense that’s gearing up to stop the always-dangerous Derrick Henry.
Sean McVay hasn’t named a starter in Speights’ place alongside Nate Landman, but there are two clear candidates vying for the job: Troy Reeder and Shaun Dolac. Reeder is an experienced veteran who has limitations in coverage, while Dolac is a hungry undrafted rookie who stood out in the preseason and earned a spot on the 53-man roster.
On Wednesday, McVay revealed that he’s letting those two players compete for the spot, given Speights’ doubtful tag for Week 6.
“You’ll see Troy and Dolac be able to split up those reps,” McVay said of the plan in practice.
Reeder played two snaps against the 49ers last week and allowed a touchdown catch to Christian McCaffrey where he was in single coverage in the red zone and had no chance against the All-Pro back.
Dolac has yet to play a snap on defense this season but he’s been impactful on special teams, nearly forcing a game-changing fumble on a kickoff last week, only for the play to be blown dead due to forward progress.
It’s possible the Rams will use both players next to Landman on Sunday in Baltimore, but only one of them can start. It’ll be interesting to see who emerges as the top option, similar to the way Speights did last season after Reeder got injured.