St. Louis Rams Week 1: Who and What to Watch

Will the Running Game Come Alive?

Aug 29, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Nick Foles (5) hands the ball off to St. Louis Rams running back Benny Cunningham (36) against the Indianapolis Colts at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Not surprisingly, Todd Gurley has been ruled out Week 1 and possibly for the foreseeable future as St. Louis does not want to rush him back from his ACL injury. Also, Trey Watts is suspended for the first four games. Now Gurley’s future partner Tre Mason is questionable for Sunday’s action and will be a game-time decision. With the Rams planning to lean on the running game, no Mason could be a big blow to the offense. Benny Cunningham will start if Mason cannot go. While Cunningham has been solid, it is not the same as having Mason in the backfield. Behind Benny would be the seemingly revived Isaiah Pead. Pead had a good preseason but I am not sold on him quite yet. Hopefully the Rams will not have to tote the Cunningham-Pead duo as they lack the athleticism and pop that Gurley-Mason would provide. We will see if the O-line and the backs can get something going.