It may have only been Week 1 of the preseason, but Saturday night was a big deal for Rams edge rusher Justin Lawler. It was his first game since the 2018 season, missing each of the last two seasons – including the preseason – due to foot injuries.
Not only was he finally able to get back on the field for his first game since Super Bowl LIII when he played two defensive snaps and 17 on special teams, but he was an absolute standout for the Rams.
After the game, he was brought to tears when discussing his comeback and return to the field. He talked about the support he received from Sean McVay, Les Snead and his wife, which got him emotional because the last two years have been difficult for him.
“I’ve been through a long road with the injuries, my foot breaking three times. Sean and Les, gracious enough this offseason to bring me back. Couldn’t be more grateful. It just brings me to tears. Doing what I love to do after what I’ve gone through, it’s a big deal to me and my family, it’s just good to be out playing football. I love playing football and it’s what I enjoy doing, so, grateful.”
"I’ve been through a long road with the injuries. Sean and Les… gracious enough this offseason to bring me back. Couldn’t be more grateful." – @lawlerjustin99 💙 pic.twitter.com/6rWVdKTkrp
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 15, 2021
Johnny Hekker and Xavier Jones showed Lawler support on Twitter after the game, as well, with these messages for the young pass rusher.
This guy has been through it all…a few times. Couldn’t be more proud of him having the night he did with his family there to watch. #LawDog https://t.co/B8CxiXBYdv
— Johnny Hekker (@JHekker) August 15, 2021
Proud of you @lawlerjustin99 #SMU2NFL https://t.co/YwUWJWVVLH
— Xavier Jones (@The_XavierJones) August 15, 2021
Lawler had five tackles, one tackle for loss and two quarterback hits in the Rams’ 13-6 loss to the Chargers, but his impact was felt well beyond the box score, too. He generated pressure a few times and nearly got home for a couple of sacks, slipping through the offensive line consistently.
“You could feel him. It was one of those deals where he was making his presence felt,” McVay said after the game. “I thought there were a couple of holding calls he could have drawn as well, early on in the game. But it was great to have Justin Lawler out there for us. He’s had some unfortunate injuries over the last couple of years. You definitely felt his presence. I thought he did a nice job.”
Lawler hasn’t yet locked up a spot on the team, but with this performance and the way he’s played in practice, he’s inching closer to doing exactly that.
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