Things are quickly unraveling for the Los Angeles Rams at cornerback. Derion Kendrick is out for the year with a torn ACL and now Darious Williams has landed on injured reserve with a hamstring strain that he suffered on the second day of training camp.
Tre’Davious White is healthy but Cobie Durant, who will replace Williams, has a hamstring injury of his own that limited him in practice Wednesday. It’s possible that if Durant can’t play, either Charles Woods or Josh Wallace – two undrafted rookies – will be elevated into a starting role.
It’s especially concerning for this week against the Lions, but the Rams also need to think about the following three weeks when Williams will also be out. Here are four free-agent corners the Rams could consider signing to help round out the depth chart while Williams is sidelined.
Xavien Howard: It’s slightly surprising that Howard is still a free agent after being cut by the Dolphins in the spring. He’s a ball hawk who has 29 career interceptions, typically playing his best in zone coverage – a staple of the Rams defense. He’s now 31 years old and hasn’t practiced at all this year, so it is risky to sign him but he’s probably the most talented corner available.
Ahkello Witherspoon: Witherspoon was the Rams’ best cornerback last season, playing every regular-season game and recording three interceptions. Yes, he got torched in his last game as a Ram against the Lions, but he’s familiar with Los Angeles’ scheme and should be able to pick things up pretty quickly if signed.
Duke Shelley: The veteran played 11 games with the Rams last season, primarily as a special teams contributor. He did play 76 snaps on defense and has the ability to play in the slot or on the outside. Shelley has decent ball skills and broke up two passes in limited playing time last year.
Steven Nelson: Nelson, a 31-year-old veteran, played all 17 games for the Texans last season and has suited up in at least 15 games in each of the last six years. Like Williams, he’s primarily a boundary cornerback so he could help fill in on the outside opposite White.