Rams Todd Gurley upgraded to questionable for Sunday; Rams injury updates

By Michael Condon | Sep 25, 2015

St. Louis Rams rookie running back Todd Gurley was upgraded to questionable for Sunday’s Week 3 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gurley was listed as a full participant all three days of practice leading up to Friday, and head coach Jeff Fisher has been quoted saying that Gurley has a “50-50” chance to play this Sunday.

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That is some very welcome news for a Rams team that has struggled to produce on the ground. After entering the 2015 season with a new commitment to the running game, the committee of backs has come up short. The teams leading rusher is none other than do-it-all wide receiver Tavon Austin who is just shy of 60 yards on the ground through two games. Benny Cunningham has produced well as a pass-catching back, but has only accumulated 45-yards rushing.

Gurley has split time with starting running back Tre Mason all week running with the first team. Fisher noted the upgraded workload.

"“We’ve seen the reps. That was our point the last couple of weeks, to get him back in the offense and run him with the starters and he’s done so. I think we split those reps probably 50-50 between he and Mason.” (Nick Wagoner, ESPN)"

However, Gurleywas listed with the same status last week heading into Washington. Gurley was hoping to be a game time decision, but Fisher admitted he had made the decision to hold Gurley out of the game on Friday. There was certainly a degree of competitiveness involved in the decision to attempt to keep Washington guessing until the zero hour. Fisher eluded to that a little bit on Friday.

"“I think around the league everybody would prefer not to tip their hand. That’s kind of where we are right now. If he doesn’t go, he doesn’t go. That’ll be a decision we make on Sunday.” (Wagoner, ESPN)"

This could go either way on Sunday, but there is a fair amount of sense to get the rookie started against Pittsburgh. A home game on the turf field, going up against an average defense and the possibility of giving the offense a nice shot of adrenaline all play into the favorable situation of Gurley suiting up on Sunday. If he does play, expect him to be introduced slowly, but still play a notable role in the game.

Other injuries include defensive end Eugene Sims (knee) and running back Chase Reynolds (knee). Both players were listed as non-participants in this week’s series of practices. Both went down with injuries in Week 1 against Seattle and have not practiced since. Gurley (knee) was listed as questionable and punter Johnny Hekker (illness) was listed as probable.

The Rams will enter Week 3 fairly healthy. With no new injuries suffered in Week 2, St. Louis should be close to 100 percent against Pittsburgh, and they will need every player to contribute if they hope to right the ship.