St. Louis Rams lose Robert Quinn and T.J. McDonald to season-ending injuries

By Alex Alarcon | Dec 9, 2015

The St. Louis Rams sit with a record of 4-8, and are about to have an even harder uphill battle to finish the season on a good note with a couple of key players heading to the injured reserve. The Rams are riding a five game losing streak, fired their offensive coordinator, and now will be without two defensive starters.

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The season is already a loss for the Rams, as there is no reason these players should come back out and get injured again. St. Louis is in that position as coach Jeff Fisher announced Wednesday that both defensive end Robert Quinn and safety T.J. Mcdonald will have season-ending injuries.

Quinn has not played since Week 10, where he only saw 15 snaps because of a banged-up knee. Quinn has been dealing with multiple injuries this season as he also had a hip injury that kept him out for a while. However the main issue for Quinn has been the amount of back pain he was dealing with since last month. Because of the pain, there is no reason to force Quinn to go out and try to put the fire out on the Rams disappointing season.

This has been a disappointing season for Quinn filled with injuries as he only got five sacks in eight games, yet totaled a career high 40 sacks over the last three years. However St. Louis Rams fans there is no need to worry, Quinn is signed through the 2019 season. Captain Middle Linebacker James Laurinaitis commented on Quinn’s injury.

"“I know his back has been hurting him for quite a bit and he really wanted to wait a long time hoping it would come back, “He wouldn’t have been 100 percent anyway.”"

Oct 25, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams free safety Rodney McLeod (23) celebrates with strong safety T.J. McDonald (25) after returning a fumble for a 20 yard touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

For Mcdonald, he was a 2013 third-round pick, who started 11 games for St. Louis this season. He recorded 63 tackles along with a sack and a forced fumble. Unfortunately, Mcdonald will undergo shoulder surgery and is signed through next season. Mcdonald injured his shoulder during Week 8, and has also dealt with a foot injury as well. However the main injury for Mcdonald has been his shoulder, as he has not been playing 100 percent lately. Laurinaitis also commented on McDonald’s absence.

"“T.J.’s been playing hurt for a while, too,” Laurinaitis said. “It’s hard to even watch him walk sometimes.”"

Safety Maurice Alexander, a fourth round pick last year is likely to get his first career start this Sunday against the Detroit Lions. Alexander will replace Mcdonald for the rest of the season.

It has been a rough 2015 campaign for the St. Louis Rams, as losing both defensive stars to season ending injury will not help the Rams turn it around anytime soon. With the defense giving up 58 combined points the last two weeks, it could be a rough four games remaining on the schedule.

The St. Louis Rams (4-8) will host the Detroit Lions (4-8) this Sunday for the battle of pride. Quarterback Case Keenum will be leading the Rams offense as Nick Foles is benched once again.