The Rams head into Week 8 with a familiar theme hanging over Sunday’s matchup against the Chargers: a long injury list and a few major names still in question.
Center Coleman Shelton, tight end Colby Parkinson, wide receiver Jordan Whittington and cornerback Trent McDuffie all landed on the questionable list. Long snapper Joe Cardona was tagged doubtful.
On the other side, the Chargers will be missing guard Kayode Awosika, safety Derwin James Jr., defensive back Deane Leonard and wide receiver Brenan Thompson, all of whom have been ruled out. Cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Rodney Shelley are questionable because of hamstring injuries.
Shelton is the biggest concern up front for Los Angeles. The starting center was held out of practice Wednesday and Thursday before returning as a limited participant Friday.
If he can’t go, Dylan McMahon would be next in line. McMahon has spent the last two years in the system on the practice squad, and this season he has spent most of his time on the active roster.
“What's been good is Dylan McMahon has done a great job this week. He's had a lot of work,” said head coach Sean McVay.
“Dylan's had a lot of work this week because of the approach we've taken with Coleman. I think he's handled it really well.
He's been here for a handful of years so he would be the guy that would step up.”
McDuffie is also a key name to watch. The cornerback has missed the last two weeks with a groin injury, though he was limited all week and is still being labeled questionable. McVay sounded hopeful about his chances to play, and the Rams have also seen strong work from the players behind him, with Josh Wallace and Emmanuel Forbes both playing well.
Parkinson is another player the Rams may be without. He did not practice at all this week, and if he sits, the Rams would likely be left with Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen and Max Klare at tight end. That would narrow what the offense can do out of 13 personnel, and it would take one of its best blockers out of the mix.
“He brings a lot,” said offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. “I think he's as good as anybody in the league right now at the point of attack on the line of scrimmage.
I think his ability to impact in the pass game has been tremendous. He gives you more than what I think anybody even realizes or expects.”
Whittington was added to the report Friday after McVay said his back locked up during practice, which is why he’s listed as questionable.
The Rams have spent the season navigating injuries, and Sunday figures to be another test of their depth. If they’re going to put together back-to-back wins for the first time this year, they’ll likely have to do it with several key pieces either limited or unavailable against the 0-6 Chargers.
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Rams Defense Suddenly Has A Myles Garrett Question Again
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Rams Offseason Squeeze Is Putting Several Veteran Jobs In Doubt
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For veterans such as Tutu Atwell, Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and David Quessenberry, the squeeze is real. Limited opportunities, roster depth and salary cap considerations all point in the same direction, and the Rams may have to make some uncomfortable choices as they sort out who fits beyond the present season. The decisions ahead are less about sentiment than survival, and they could reshape a few familiar spots on the roster sooner than expected. [Read more 🡒]