Los Angeles Rams Play It Smart By Resting Todd Gurley in Preseason Opener

Jul 31, 2016; Irvine, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) carries the ball at training camp at UC Irvine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2016; Irvine, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) carries the ball at training camp at UC Irvine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Los Angeles Rams decided to make Todd Gurley a healthy scratch for Saturday’s preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

After an impressive rookie season, expectations are high for Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley in 2016 and many consider him an early favorite to take home the rushing title. With all of the hype surrounding the former first-round pick, it appears the Rams are playing it safe during the preseason after choosing to rest Gurley in the opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

Related Story: Report: Rams Expected to Extend Jeff Fisher

Los Angeles decided to make Gurley inactive for Saturday’s game as the team is considering the move a “healthy scratch”–so there’s no reason for Rams fans to hit the panic button over their beloved running back.

Nobody knew what to expect from Gurley last year after suffering a torn ACL during his junior season at Georgia, but he surpassed all expectations as a rookie after rushing for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games. If Gurley can post these type of numbers after that type of injury, just imagine what he’s capable of accomplishing in his second season fully healthy with a year of experience under his belt.

Rams fans may have been excited to see Gurley in action on Saturday, but this was the right move by Fisher and company. The last thing Los Angeles wants to see happen is Gurley suffer a frustrating injury in a meaningless game and at least this gives Benny Cunningham a chance to earn some extra reps.