Sean McVay has spent 10 years coaching the Rams, and he says this season has put him through more injury trouble than any other.
Speaking Wednesday, McVay pointed back to 2022 as the closest comparison. That was the year the defending Super Bowl champions fell to 5-12, with injuries - especially along the offensive line - playing a major role. But McVay said this group has dealt with even more disruption.
“I’ve been the coach for 10 years, and I know 2022 was a season that we had a lot of injuries, particularly at the offensive line, but this has been more than any year, including ’22, with the amount of guys out at different spots that are key and critical to our identity, on offense, on defense and on special teams,” McVay said.
The latest blow is cornerback Jaylen Watson, who McVay said had been having an outstanding season before a shoulder injury ended his year. The Rams are also missing several other important pieces on injured reserve: defensive end Myles Garrett, wide receiver Davante Adams, defensive tackle Kobie Turner, tight end Terrance Ferguson, defensive tackle Poona Ford and kicker Blake Grupe.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford is dealing with a sore arm as well, though he said he expects to be fine. Even with that issue, Stafford acknowledged how much the injuries have stacked up.
“That’s just the way it goes. That’s NFL football. I know everybody in that training room is doing everything they can to be back as fast as they can, and when and if those guys can do that, we’ll welcome them with open arms and it’ll be a nice boost for us when they get back,” Stafford said.
The Rams opened the year as Super Bowl favorites, but they’re sitting at 4-4 now. How quickly they get healthy - and whether they can stay that way - will go a long way toward shaping the second half of their season.
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