Ogbonnia Okoronkwo was expected to be a big part of the Rams’ pass-rushing plan this year after the departure of Dante Fowler Jr. There was a lot of uncertainty opposite Leonard Floyd, with Samson Ebukam, Terrell Lewis and Justin Hollins also competing for snaps at outside linebacker.
Unfortunately, Okoronkwo hasn’t been much of a factor this season, playing just five games and recording one sack. He injured his elbow in Week 5 against the Washington Football Team and has been on injured reserve since Oct. 20.
He’s eligible to be activated at any time, but the Rams have yet to bring him back – and Sean McVay doesn’t know when that may happen.
“I’m not sure. I’m hopeful. I mean, he’s looking like he’s making progress but to put a timetable on that right now, wouldn’t be fair to do that,” he said.
Originally, Okoronkwo was expected to miss four to six weeks. He’s now going on six weeks, but there doesn’t seem to be any progress made or expectations that Okoronkwo will be back soon. The Rams have survived without him thanks to their depth at the position, but he’s a quality pass rusher and could help the defense whenever he does get back.
“I think Leonard Floyd has been outstanding – really productive, snap-in and snap-out, both rushing the passer, defending the run,” McVay said. “I mean, he’s been a great complete player for us. Then I think Chris (Shula) has done a nice job of really supplementing Leonard with, Samson has played a bunch of snaps. Obo when he was healthier earlier, you’ve seen some of these other guys get in there and do a nice job. I think Hollins has been a real positive addition with his experience with Brandon (Staley) in Denver and that’s been a good thing for us.”