The Los Angeles Rams got healthy in some ways but more injured in others.
While L.A. should get receiver Puka Nacua and tackle Rob Havenstein back in Week 9, the team already placed receiver Tutu Atwell on injured reserve and could be without another key player. Rams head coach Sean McVay revealed Monday that starting cornerback Darious Williams is dealing with a shoulder injury he sustained in Week 7, and is status for the Rams’ next game is in question.
“He got banged up with his shoulder. It was just a weird freak deal that he got towards the latter part of the game when they were throwing it a bunch,” McVay said Monday. “It’s almost like a strain in his shoulder and in his lat. It’s a very abnormal type of injury, but it is something that you need to be cognizant of and certain movements and things that are asked to do, especially from the corner spot, trigger it. It’s a weird feeling.
“He’s done a great job. He was rehabbing all week. We’re going to continue to try to keep the doors open for him going this week but if he doesn’t, then we need to have contingency plans accordingly. … Hopefully he’s able to go. If not, then he’ll be ready to roll the following week.”
This is perhaps another reason why the Rams traded for Tennessee Titans cornerback Roger McCreary. L.A. was already without Akhello Witherspoon, who will miss most of the season with a broken clavicle. Losing Williams for any period of time would significantly alter the defense and leave the cornerback room to just Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Cobie Durant and Tre Brown.
At the very least, the Rams now have more depth at the position with McCreary, Williams, Forbes Jr., Durant and Brown. At worst, the Rams will have to play McCreary without Williams in the lineup.
The Rams are planning for the long haul this season while they sit at 5-2. McVay may be inclined to rest Williams another week if he feels confident in his unit against the 1-7 New Orleans Saints.