The injury hits just kept coming for the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday after they were already without Tyler Higbee due to a knee injury. Tutu Atwell, Rob Havenstein and Hunter Long all left the game at one point due to injuries and none of them was able to return.
On Monday, McVay met with reporters and shared injury updates on the three players who exited early against the Ravens. Long is the only one who’s been ruled out for Week 15 already as he suffered a season-ending injury.
Atwell left Sunday’s game in the first half after taking a big shot on the sideline on his only target of the game. He was unable to return and McVay said on Monday that Atwell is in the concussion protocol.
It’s rare for players to clear the concussion protocol in time to play in the very next game, so the Rams could be without Atwell on Sunday against the Commanders.
Havenstein left after just 16 plays because of a groin strain. He never returned to the field and was replaced by Joe Noteboom.
McVay said he’s considered day-to-day, so it’s unclear if he’ll be available in time to face the Commanders this coming weekend.
Long’s injury looked serious after he had to be carted off the field. McVay said he suffered a season-ending MCL injury and will require surgery, so he won’t return in 2023.
It’s an unfortunate loss for the Rams and for Long, especially considering he struggled to get on the field this summer because of injuries. That leaves Davis Allen as the primary backup behind Tyler Higbee at tight end.