Rams late week injury updates; Quinn, Johnson doubtful for Sunday

The St. Louis Rams, now in a must win situation every week if they hope to have any shot at the postseason, look like they will be without some key contributors for Sunday’s matchup against Arizona.

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Earlier this week, the team announced that quarterback Case Keenum was still in the leagues concussion protocol for the second consecutive week. With the news also came the announcement that Nick Foles would once again start under center. The last time Foles faced off against the Cardinals he threw for 171-yards and three touchdowns, his highest touchdown total of the season.

In a bit of good news it appears will get rookie offensive tackle Rob Havenstein back from his calf injury. Havenstein, having missed three of the last four weeks, was a full participant in practice all week and will plug right back into his spot at tackle. The return to normalcy should help slow the revolving door of players the Rams have faced along the line the last few weeks.

Aug 14, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams tackle Rob Havenstein (79) against the Oakland Raiders in a preseason NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Unfortunately, the good news stops there. St. Louis listed defensive end Robert Quinn (back), cornerback Trumaine Johnson (thigh) and kicker Greg Zuerlein (groin) as doubtful for Sunday. The chances are less than 50-50 any of the three find the field on Sunday and that’s bad news for a defense that has been reeling as of late allowing a league high 131 rush yards per game over the last three weeks.

With Quinn out again, the Rams turn to fellow defensive end Eugene Sims to take his spot. Marcus Roberson will fill in for Johnson and kicker Zach Hocker will get the start for the second consecutive week. All three are suitable replacements, but don’t offer the upside the starters do.

It’s also a bit concerning that Keenum has been unable to break free from the leagues concussion protocol. He was limited in practice all week. Without clearing the protocol, Keenum cannot take the field on Sunday, even as a backup. That leaves just rookie Sean Mannion to back up Foles. Last week, Mannion played the final few minutes of the team’s blow out loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He finished fairly well completing 6 of 7 pass attempts for 31-yards.

Friday’s full practice report included:

OL Andrew Donnal (knee) – Out

DE Robert Quinn (back), CB Trumaine Johnson (thigh), K Greg Zuerlein (groin) – Doubtful

QB Case Keenum (concussion) – Questionable

OT Rob Havenstein (calf) – Probable

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