The Los Angeles Rams have been forced to lean on more backups than they’d like in the early portion of the season because of all the injuries they’ve suffered. The injury bug has now bitten the safety group where John Johnson III will miss at least the next four games with a shoulder injury.
The Rams have Quentin Lake and Jaylen McCollough who can both play safety, but it appears they’re turning to rookie third-rounder Kam Kinchens in Johnson’s absence, allowing Lake to remain as the team’s slot defender.
Kinchens has only played 14 defensive snaps this season and they haven’t exactly gone well, drawing a penalty for unnecessary roughness on the Lions’ game-tying drive and allowing a 32-yard reception to Marvin Harrison Jr. against the Cardinals.
However, he’s in line for an “elevated role” and the Rams are confident he’s ready to step up.
“Obviously when that happens, guys have to step up so he’ll definitely take on an elevated role and so will some other guys too,” defensive coordinator Chris Shula said. “He’s a really mature rookie, has been since the day he got here. Loves football. He’s a guy that we knew when the pads come on, he comes to life. Really good ball skills, really good communication. Really excited about him.”
Kinchens was a ball hawk in college, picking off six passes in 2022 and five in 2023 – leading the nation each year. He also broke up four passes as a freshman in 2021, showing he knows how to find the ball and make plays.
There will certainly be some growing pains for the rookie, especially as he replaces a reliable veteran like Johnson, but Kinchens has a high ceiling and could make an immediate impact.