Los Angeles Rams are fearing the worst after starter goes down with training camp injury
While the return of the NFL brings smiles to the faces of many, it also comes with a downside. That would be injuries, something that plagues every team, every year. And for the Los Angeles Rams, they are feared to have incurred an unfortunate loss with starting CB Derion Kendrick. Derion Kendrick Feared to Have […]
While the return of the NFL brings smiles to the faces of many, it also comes with a downside.
That would be injuries, something that plagues every team, every year.
And for the Los Angeles Rams, they are feared to have incurred an unfortunate loss with starting CB Derion Kendrick.
Derion Kendrick Feared to Have Torn ACL
Kendrick was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft after a decorated carer with the Georgia Bulldogs, including winning multiple national championships and being a pillar on one of the greatest college defenses of the century.
Kendrick would strugglee during the pre-draft process, however, running a notably slow 40-yard dash that tanked his draft stock. The Rams believe in more than just timed speed however, evidenced by some of the offense's best players.
Cooper Kupp, Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua have never been, and never will be burners, but they form one of the better skill trios in the league when fully healthy.
Kendrick was drafted in a similar vein, and through two seasons was proving to be a stable starter. Playing in all 17 games last season and making 12 starts, Kendrick's instincts and physicality shined as he recorded 49 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and one interception in the second season of his NFL career.
But there is a silver lining in the injury happening this early in the season. There are still plenty of suitable corners on the free agent market. The team could opt to bring back Ahkello Witherspoon who started every game for L.A. last season.
If they want proven veteran production, there are two former Pro Bowlers and All-Pro's still searching for a team. That would be Stephon Gilmore, and Xavien Howard.
Howard has struggled with injuries the last few years and both are older, but Gilmore makes the most sense for Los Angeles.
Sure he's about to turn 34 years old, but he is one of the most cerebral corners in the league, is scheme versatile, and has proven to be durable and productive as recent as last season in Dallas, where he recorded the most pass breakups of the past four seasons.
From a financial standpoint, L.A. has around $8m in cap space, through Matt Stafford and the Rams have had positive talks about re-working his contract to pay him atop the QB market.
Either way, it's another decision that has to come across GM Les Snead's desk.
