Tag: sebastian joseph-day

Rams designate Sebastian Joseph-Day, Darrell Henderson Jr. and Robert Rochell to return from IR

The Rams designated a trio of former starters to return from injured reserve, including Sebastian Joseph-Day

The Los Angeles Rams are just two days away from facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but there’s a chance they’ll have three former starters back on the active roster for this matchup. On Friday, The Rams designated Sebastian Joseph-Day, Darrell Henderson Jr. and Robert Rochell to return from injured reserve. All three of them were starters at one point this season, making them key players to have available.

They still must be activated by Sunday in order to play against the Buccaneers, but they’re now able to return to practice. Sean McVay indicated that Henderson could have a chance to play against the Bucs, like Ernest Jones, but he’s been less optimistic about Joseph-Day and Rochell recently.

McVay told reporters on Tuesday that Joseph-Day and Rochell “haven’t been a part of the conversation” to return yet.

“It’s a little bit different circumstances with them, so don’t have any true updates on those guys,” he said.

If Henderson is able to play, he’ll join a backfield that already features Cam Akers and Sony Michel, who both played well against the Cardinals.

Joseph-Day’s role is less clear now than it was before he got hurt thanks to the emergence of Greg Gaines, who has been a star as the starting nose tackle.

When Rochell returns, he’ll provide depth as the third or fourth cornerback in a rotation with Dont’e Deayon and David Long Jr.

Henderson has been out since injuring his knee in Week 16. Rochell has been sidelined since Week 13 with a chest injury, while Joseph-Day hasn’t played since Oct. 24 when he injured his pec.

Rams not ruling out Sebastian Joseph-Day returning before playoffs

Sebastian Joseph-Day has been out since injuring his pec in Week 7, but there’s a chance he could be back in time for the playoffs.

Sebastian Joseph-Day became an important part of the defensive line since taking over as a starter in 2019, recording six sacks and 137 tackles in his first 39 games as a pro. But in Week 7, he injured his pectoral muscle and was placed on injured reserve.

It was initially unclear if he would be able to return this season, but the Rams left the door open for him to come back at some point. Sean McVay was asked about Joseph-Day’s status on Friday and he’s still not ruling out a potential return in time for the playoffs.

“I wouldn’t rule it out. That is something that I know he is done a great job. I have not really specifically talked about the exact timetable. There’s been a lot of moving parts – more so than ever before. Certainly wouldn’t be ready to rule that out of the equation, but I’ll probably be able to have a better answer for you after this week.”

Greg Gaines has done an outstanding job in place of Joseph-Day at nose tackle, but having both on the defensive line alongside Aaron Donald would make for an even better front in Los Angeles. That would allow A’Shawn Robinson to play more of a rotational role, too, keeping everyone fresh.

It’s still not certain that Joseph-Day will return in time for the playoffs, but at least McVay isn’t ruling it out.

Greg Gaines’ emergence gives Rams options on defensive line in offseason

Greg Gaines’ emergence gives the Rams much-needed flexibility with Sebastian Joseph-Day and A’Shawn Robinson in the offseason.

After trading Michael Brockers to the Lions, the Rams turned to Sebastian Joseph-Day and A’Shawn Robinson as players who needed to step up on the defensive line next to Aaron Donald. Greg Gaines was always going to be part of the rotation up front, but he was seen as more of a backup than a key piece on defense.

In the first seven weeks of the season, he played more than 40% of the defensive snaps just once. But in the last five games, he’s emerged as one of the most important players on that side of the ball.

Since Joseph-Day went down with a pectoral injury, Gaines has recorded two sacks, five quarterback hits and 23 tackles. For a player who was seen as a two-down run stopper when the Rams drafted him in 2019, he’s completely disproved his pre-draft critics by becoming a great pass rusher.

According to Seth Walder of ESPN, Gaines ranks fifth in pass-rush win rate and fourth in run-stop win rate among all defensive tackles – and that includes 3-techniques like Donald, not just nose tackles.

Pro Football Focus has credited him with 27 total pressures on only 277 pass-rush opportunities, ranking 24th among all interior defenders in that category. He has a 70.5 pass-rush grade (35th among interior defenders), largely thanks to his 17 pressures since Week 8. Those 17 pressures are tied for 11th among interior defenders and his three sacks, per PFF’s measures, are tied for ninth since Week 8.

Heading into 2022, the Rams now know they have a proven starter at nose tackle to contribute alongside Donald. That gives them some much-needed financial flexibility on the defensive line in the offseason.

Sebastian Joseph-Day will be a free agent in March and given the way he’s played the last two years, he’s going to command a hefty contract. The Rams shouldn’t rule out re-signing him, but with only $2.5 million in projected cap space, they don’t have much money to spend.

And they still have several other important players set to hit free agency who warrant re-signing consideration: Von Miller, Darious Williams, Austin Corbett, Odell Beckham Jr., Brian Allen and Matt Gay.

Fortunately, Gaines is still under contract for one more year, so even if the Rams are unable to re-sign Joseph-Day due to his high asking price, they’ll have Gaines to remain a starter at nose tackle.

There’s also the possibility of cutting A’Shawn Robinson, who has been a disappointment since signing with the Rams in 2020. If they cut him after June 1, they’d save $7 million – or $5.5 million if he’s cut before June 1. That’s a significant savings for a player who hasn’t lived up to expectations.

It’s possible the Rams will cut Robinson and use that money to re-sign Joseph-Day, potentially moving him to defensive end with Gaines starting at nose tackle. That might not be their best option, but the important thing is that they have several possibilities now with Gaines stepping up.

He’s been a huge part of the Rams’ success stopping the run and rushing the passer this season, which is great to see after he was previously seen as a limited, two-down nose tackle.

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Sebastian Joseph-Day needs surgery on pec, unclear if he’ll return this season

Sebastian Joseph-Day aggravated his pec injury and needs surgery, which could sideline him for the rest of the season.

Sebastian Joseph-Day missed last week’s win over the Texans with a pectoral injury but he was working his way toward returning on Sunday against the Titans. Unfortunately, he suffered a setback in practice on Thursday and will miss an extended period of time.

Sean McVay told reporters Friday that Joseph-Day needs surgery on his pec and it’s unclear if he’ll miss the rest of the season or be able to return at some point later on.

“Sebastian Joseph-Day reaggravated his pec,” McVay said. “Unfortunately, he’s going to have to get that thing fixed, so he’ll be out on Sunday. That’s a big loss for our football team. Whether or not that means he’ll return at any point this season, I think we’ll have to see after the surgery, but guys will be asked to step up and that’s a bummer for us.”

When asked if Joseph-Day will be able to come back this season, he elaborated a bit but the team won’t know for sure until after he has surgery.

“I’m not sure,” he said. “It might be something where he’s able to come back a little bit later on. I think once they actually do the surgery, we’ll have a better feel for, all right, is this something that’ll be a few months? Is there a chance he comes back later on in the season and if we’re fortunate to play after the regular season?”

Joseph-Day has a career-best three sacks in only seven games this season, also recording 38 tackles and five QB hits. He’s been a strong presence in the middle of the defensive line at nose tackle, so this is a big loss for the Rams.

Greg Gaines will be asked to step up in his place, alongside Aaron Donald and A’Shawn Robinson on the starting defensive line.

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Rams expect Andrew Whitworth and Sebastian Joseph-Day to play vs. Titans

The Rams beat the Texans without Andrew Whitworth and Sebastian Joseph-Day, but both are expected back this week.

Not that it mattered much in the grand scheme of things, but the Rams were pretty shorthanded against the Texans on Sunday. Despite being without a couple of starters, they still rolled to a 38-22 win.

Andrew Whitworth and Sebastian Joseph-Day were two of the most notable absences, missing Week 8 with knee and chest injuries, respectively. Fortunately, Sean McVay expects both players to return and play this weekend against the Titans.

I do expect to get Whitworth and Sebastian Joseph-Day back this week,” McVay said Monday. “We’ll take it a day at a time, but the goal and the anticipation is that they will be able to play against the Titans.”

McVay did say that the Rams are putting Travin Howard on injured reserve, but they expect to get him back at some point this season. Howard has only played 10 defensive snaps this season, but with Kenny Young being traded, the Rams are now fairly thin at inside linebacker.

Getting Whitworth and Joseph-Day back is big, though, and should be a boost against a surging Titans team that will unfortunately be without Derrick Henry due to a foot injury.

Rams rule out Andrew Whitworth and Sebastian Joseph-Day vs. Texans

The Rams will be without Andrew Whitworth and Sebastian Joseph-Day on Sunday, missing Week 8 due to injury.

The Rams will not have two key starters on Sunday against the Texans. Sean McVay told reporters on Friday that Andrew Whitworth and Sebastian Joseph-Day will not play against Houston, missing Week 8 with knee and chest injuries, respectively.

Neither player practiced on Wednesday or Thursday and have been uncertain to play since suffering their injuries last week against the Lions. Whitworth missed seven games last season with a knee injury but had been healthy all year in 2021.

Sebastian Joseph-Day has never missed a game due to injury in his NFL career, so this will be a first for the fourth-year nose tackle.

Both players have been valuable this season, starting each game up to this point. Whitworth will likely be replaced by Joe Noteboom at left tackle, while Greg Gaines is the top candidate to step in for Joseph-Day at nose tackle.

Additionally, McVay said DeSean Jackson will not play against the Texans as the team seeks a trade partner for the veteran wide receiver.

Sean McVay pleased with how Rams defense has performed thus far

The Rams defense has delighted Sean McVay with how they have performed in the first seven weeks, despite some outside criticism.

The defense of the Los Angeles Rams was a primary focus during the offseason due to Raheem Morris replacing Brandon Staley as the defensive coordinator. Through the first seven weeks, it’s safe to say that Sean McVay is liking what he’s seeing from the defense thus far.

“Each game’s a little bit different narrative. I thought they did a good job yesterday. I thought there was a couple of loose yards that they got in the run game, but I do think you got to give credit to (D’Andre) Swift and (Jamaal) Williams are two really tough physical backs,” McVay said Monday. “I thought they leveled some runs off and they caught us in the one third down on a blitz. It’s an excellent call right there. That’s one of those deals where you say, ‘Hats off to them,’ on the first long touchdown. But I thought we made our plays when we had to and I think through seven games, I think they’re really opportunistic. I think we’ve got some special players that elevate everybody around them. When you talk about Aaron (Donald) and Jalen (Ramsey), I think Leonard Floyd’s played like that as well.”

It was a slow start for the Rams in Week 7 versus the Detroit Lions, falling to a 10-0 deficit in the first quarter. Following a 63-yard screen pass to D’Andre Swift that went for a touchdown on the first drive, Los Angeles held the Lions to four field goals for the rest of the contest.

McVay name-dropped Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey and Leonard Floyd as guys who are playing at elite levels right now. Along with those guys, McVay has been impressed with the growth of other players like Sebastian Joseph-Day, A’Shawn Robinson, and Terrell Lewis.

“I think you’re seeing guys really continue to get better. I think you look at Sebastian Joseph-Day taking steps in the right direction. I’ve been pleased with A’Shawn. It’s been good to see Terrell Lewis healthy. A lot of guys on the back end that are making big-time contributions, but I think they’ve done a really nice job. There’s always things that we can improve on, but overall I’m pleased with them,” McVay said.

You would think the Rams have one of the worst defensive units in the NFL if you were to check Twitter. But in the first seven weeks, Los Angeles boasts the No. 4 ranked defense in Football Outsiders’ DVOA. As the Rams prepare to go up against the Houston Texans in Week 8, McVay is happy to see where his defense is currently at.

Watch: Sebastian Joseph-Day was mic’d up vs. Cardinals

Sebastian Joseph-Day was wearing a mic during Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals and it’s clear he’s become a leader for the Rams.

The Rams mic up one player each week on game days, which gives fans a peek behind the curtain of the personalities on the team. Last week, it was Jalen Ramsey wearing a mic against the Buccaneers, which provided a great moment between him and Tom Brady after the Rams’ win.

This week, arguably the funniest player on the team was mic’d up: Sebastian Joseph-Day. The video was shorter than other mic’d up segments, likely because the Rams were blown out at home by Arizona, but it still showed Joseph-Day’s passion and intensity when he steps on the field.

This is a tight-knit team with good chemistry and that’s on display every week in these mic’d up videos.

4 players to watch in Rams vs. Buccaneers

There are a few players on the Rams that will be crucial in taking down the Buccaneers in Week 3 to remain unbeaten.

It’s a clash of two premier teams in the NFL in Week 3 with the Los Angeles Rams hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Both teams remain undefeated on the season and both are receiving love as favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Most people will be tuned in to see Matthew Stafford against Tom Brady in a matchup of two quarterbacks that are playing at a high level right now. Even with Brady playing for what seems like an eternity, this will be the first time he gets to suit up for a game in Los Angeles.

Besides the Stafford and Brady matchup (that isn’t really a matchup because they aren’t defending each other), there are other players that will need to step up for Los Angeles to extend their winning streak to begin the season. In what could be a possible NFC Championship preview, let’s take a look at a few players on the Rams that are worth keeping an eye on in Week 3 versus the Buccaneers.

Sebastian Joseph-Day has ankle injury but should be OK

Sebastian Joseph-Day missed practice Monday with an ankle injury but Sean McVay says “he should be OK.”

One of the goals of training camp and the preseason is to get through them without any major injuries. Outside of Cam Akers’ torn Achilles before camp, the Rams have stayed relatively healthy this summer.

Sebastian Joseph-Day tweaked his ankle during the Cowboys scrimmage on Saturday and was held out of practice Monday, but that was mostly as a precaution. It was bothering him so Sean McVay wanted to be smart, keeping him on the sideline when the team returned to practice.

“Sebastian, he just had a little ankle. He should be OK,” McVay said Monday. “We were more being safe with him than anything else from the Cowboys scrimmage. It was just kind of bothering him a little bit. So, we erred on the side of caution.”

Joseph-Day is a key part of the defense, starting right in the middle of the line at nose tackle. Though he was excellent in 2020, he has a real chance to break out this season. The Rams need him to continue stuffing the run, and anything he can offer as a pass rusher will be huge.

With a month to go until Week 1, there’s no sense in rushing him back from this ankle injury. He’s not someone who needs preseason reps, either, so expect Joseph-Day to sit out the Rams’ three exhibition games.