The Rams showed up to Week 6 in far better shape than they’ve been for most of the early season, and Wednesday’s injury report backed that up.
Los Angeles did not practice Wednesday, so every designation was an estimate, but only one player landed as a non-participant: tight end Davis Allen, who would have missed work because of a foot injury. Beyond Allen, the Rams had just five more players on the report, and four of them were limited.
That’s a sharp turn from the recent grind. The Rams opened last week with nine players on the injury report, and they were in the same spot before their Week 3 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, when multiple starters were listed.
Linebacker Nate Landman was limited with wrist and shoulder injuries, while wide receiver Alex Bachman was limited with a wrist issue. Tight end Colby Parkinson and cornerback Josh Wallace were also limited, both with shoulder injuries.
Landman and Parkinson have been regulars on the report in recent weeks, and the Rams have handled Landman carefully before games. Parkinson is likely to be managed the same way.
There was also good news elsewhere on the Rams’ side. Aaron Donald was off the injury report for the first time in two weeks, and he is likely to miss only Friday’s practice, which has become his usual rest day. Cornerback Jaylen Watson and Quentin Lake were not listed after appearing on the report last week, and edge rusher Josaiah Stewart also dropped off after showing up before the Rams’ last two games.
Omar Speights was listed with a knee injury, but he was estimated as a full participant.
On Arizona’s side, running back Jeremiyah Love is the main name to watch. He was listed with an ankle injury, and because it’s his second ankle issue, there’s a real chance he won’t play against the Rams. He also did not practice Wednesday.
Jeremiyah Love's (2nd) ankle injury will keep him out of practice Wednesday and there is a chance he doesn't play against Rams."The rest for him will be vital."
Love has had an uneven start to his rookie season, but he flashed in Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers, carrying 21 times for 90 yards.
The Cardinals also had several players sitting out Wednesday for rest, while safety Wydett Williams was out as he moves through the concussion protocol. Safety Kitan Crawford and wide receiver Devin Duvernay were both limited.
The tight end situation remains the biggest thing to monitor for the Rams, with Allen and Parkinson both on the report. Still, compared with where Los Angeles was over the past few weeks, this is a much cleaner bill of health. And with a chance to get back to .500 against the Cardinals, that kind of availability matters.
In Other News...
Sean McVay Sends Clear Message As Rams Deal With Alaric Jackson Fallout
Alaric Jacksons latest absence comes at an awkward moment for a Rams team trying to settle into a rhythm up front. The left tackle was suspended by the NFL for two games after an incident involving a punch to Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb, and Sean McVay made it clear the issue is about more than just losing a starter. McVay stressed the importance of Jackson representing the team appropriately, a pointed reminder that the Rams are treating this as both a football matter and a standards issue.
David Quesenberry is set to step in during the suspension, giving the Rams an immediate lineup adjustment on the edge. McVay also said Jackson is expected to appeal, which leaves a small layer of uncertainty around the situation even as the team prepares to move forward without him for now. [Read more 🡒]
Sean McVay Just Made The Rams' Alaric Jackson Problem Even Bigger
Sean McVays latest comments on Alaric Jackson added another layer to an already uncomfortable situation for the Rams. With Jackson suspended, Los Angeles has been forced to shuffle its protection plan and lean on David Quesenberry, a move that puts even more attention on the edges of an offense that can ill afford instability up front.
McVay made it clear the issue goes beyond a simple lineup change, underscoring the importance of player conduct while the Rams try to keep the focus on football. For a team trying to stay organized in a competitive NFC race, the timing is hardly ideal, and the longer Jackson remains unavailable, the more the Rams have to manage both the on-field and off-field fallout. [Read more 🡒]
Rams Have A Special Teams Problem That May Need More Changes
Special teams has become an increasingly uncomfortable part of the Rams weekly story, and it surfaced again in Week 5 against the Bills when a kickoff coverage breakdown led to a 70-yard return. The kicking situation has only added to the concern, with Harrison Mevis released after missing multiple field goals, including a chance to win the game, and Blake Grupe brought in as the next option.
The move to Grupe was made quickly, without competition or much of a runway, which leaves Los Angeles still searching for stability in a phase of the game that can swing close contests. Les Snead may not be done making changes if the Rams want this unit to stop creating fresh problems every week. [Read more 🡒]