The Los Angeles Rams’ outside linebacker depth took a hit on Sunday when Justin Lawler suffered a broken hand in the second game of the season. He’s currently on the practice squad, but he’s been elevated to the active roster in each of the first two weeks.
Fortunately, Lawler may not have to miss any time with the injury. Sean McVay told reporters that Lawler could play with a cast on his hand against the Buccaneers on Sunday after having surgery on Monday – if the Rams choose to promote him from the practice squad again.
“With Lawler, he’s having hand surgery today, but he might be able to play this week,” McVay said. “He is a guy that we’ve flexed him up from our practice squad each of the last two weeks, but he’s going to have surgery today on that hand. He’ll be able to play if pain subsides with the cast moving forward, if that’s the direction that we go with our 48 on gameday.”
Lawler only played three snaps in the win over the Colts but he provides important depth at a key position. The Rams only have Leonard Floyd, Justin Hollins and Terrell Lewis on the active roster right now with Chris Garrett on COVID-19 reserve and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo on injured reserve.
McVay said Garrett could potentially be cleared from COVID-19 reserve this week, though after missing two-plus weeks, he might need time to get up to speed before being active on game day.
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