There are no major injury concerns for the Rams as the regular season rapidly approaches, but there are a few situations worth monitoring. After ensuring everyone that there are no concerns with Cooper Kupp’s ankle Monday, Sean McVay provided updates on three other players currently battling injuries.
Darrell Henderson (hamstring), Taylor Rapp (knee) and Travin Howard (knee) are all in different situations, but McVay hasn’t ruled any of them out for Week 1 just yet.
Rapp is the furthest along after missing two weeks of practice with a knee injury, and he’s expected to be back on the field this week. The Rams will ease him back in, so he may not be a full-go right out of the gate. Still, Rapp is making progress and doesn’t seem to be in doubt for Week 1.
Henderson, on the other hand, remains on the mend with a hamstring strain. He’s expected to miss the upcoming week of practice and his status for the season opener is still uncertain. The Rams don’t want to push him and cause a setback, which can often happen with soft-tissue injuries.
McVay didn’t have much of an update on Howard other than to say he’s still being evaluated. He injured his knee in practice last week and missed Saturday’s scrimmage.
More #Rams injury updates from Sean McVay: Darrell Henderson (hamstring) is uncertain to play in the opener, but that's not ruled out. Taylor Rapp (knee) will phase back into practice. Travin Howard (knee) is being monitored, and McVay praises other ILBs.https://t.co/DYcncyYn3F
— Kevin Modesti (@KevinModesti) August 31, 2020
While Henderson’s status is certainly concerning, the Rams have players to fill in for him in the interim. Cam Akers and Malcolm Brown are more than capable of handling the carries for Los Angeles, even if Henderson does have to miss the season opener against the Rams.
Rapp’s return to practice will limit the playing time for Jordan Fuller and Terrell Burgess, who have shined in his place while practicing with the starters. But needless to say, the Rams will be thrilled to get their standout safety back for the opener.
Howard’s status seems very much in the air due to the lack of updates provided by McVay, but the coach did compliment Kenny Young, Micah Kiser and Troy Reeder in the linebacker rotation.
Young started in Howard’s place for the scrimmage, so that would presumably be the approach in Week 1 if Hoard can’t play.
Rams ILB Travin Howard (knee) is still being monitored, McVay says – guys he mentioned will be in the starting/immediate depth rotation are Micah Kiser, Kenny Young and Troy Reeder.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) August 31, 2020
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