Turf Show Times
While the future availability of quarterback (QB) Matthew Stafford becomes murkier, the Los Angeles Rams received some good news this week when seven players, six likely starters, were cleared to return to and participated in Monday’s practice. While the Rams have a Saturday August 16 date to take on their housemates, the Los Angeles Chargers, the returning starters are assumed to sit that game out. Instead, they will see the field in a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints on Thursday. The Rams official website reports that details for the scrimmage are being “finalized”.
The Rams who have returned to practice:
Defensive tackle Kobie Turner
Missed a week with a sore back. Obviously no where near the extent of Stafford’s woes, but something to keep an eye on. The Rams take advantage of Turner’s versatility and line him across the front. He’s as adept on the nose as he is farther outside. As captain, he’s the heart of the defensive interior and is expected to stack a third consecutive strong season.
Off-ball linebacker Nate Landman
Second only to backup QB Stetson Bennett in OTA and camp exultations, the L.A. braintrust wasted no time in giving Landman the green dot as defensive play caller. The latest in the Rams line of unheralded linebackers, Landman comes west after posting good tackles numbers in two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He’s been hobbled by a calf strain.
Safety Kam Curl
Curl was stepped on in practice tweaking his ankle. He missed both the scrimmage and game with the Cowboys. Entering his sixth pro season and second in the Rams system, the hope is that Curl can re-visit his play from earlier in his career. Although likely a starter, he will be pushed for reps by sophomores Kamren Kinchens and Jaylen McCollough, who have both stood out in camp.
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon
Battling a lingering calf issue since 7/26, the 30 year-old is the graybeard of the L.A. secondary. As such, Witherspoon only needs a few workouts to get up to speed. He’s played the best football of his career with the Rams and will battle Cobie Durant for starting corner.
Defensive tackle Poona Ford
Stopping the run was a major factor on the Rams off-season defensive shopping list. They made Ford an early addition. Stockier than monolithic, the eight-year vet fits the Rams want list, the versatility to play across the defensive front. He’ll clog the middle at nose tackle and reports from camp are that he has some pass rushing juice as well. He experienced some groin tightness after the Cowboys scrimmage and took the rest of the week off..
Guard Kevin Dotson
Dotson suffered a chest contusion in the Cowboys scrimmage, a big word for a bruise. L.A. coaches did not think it serious and he’s back in practice after a few days of light work.
Tight end Mark Redman
With a tight end (TE) unit as deep as the Rams, staying in the NFL as an undrafted free agent...
