Gurley getting more work good for him and good for the Rams

Head coach Sean McVay looks to be planning on getting his star running back more reps this preseaon. Something that will be good for the Los Angeles Rams in 2017.

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said third year running back Todd Gurley will be getting more work as the team heads through the remainder of the preseason. That’s a good plan considering two things: his 2016 season, and this past Saturday night against the Dallas Cowboys.

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Something to remember, the Rams first preseason game was not unlike most in the NFL. Front line players typically only get a couple of series worth of work. Jared Goff, the starting offensive line, and Gurley made what was at best, a brief appearance. The upside, is that if you were a Sean Mannion fan, your Saturday night was awesome.

If you wanted to see Gurley ‘get off the schneid’, not so much.

That looks to be changing.

Look for the third year running back to get more than four carries and two yards against the Oakland Raiders.

McVay said as much when talking about his running back:

"“Being in a new system, and just for the overall continuity of our offense, I think it’s important for him to be out there” he has also said his starters will get “progressive work” through the third game of the preseason, traditionally referred to as as the “dress rehearsal.”"

For Gurley, this is a departure from last season where he was held out for all the 2016 preseason to keep him fresh, and certainly injury free. It also led to a disastrous season for the Offensive Rookie Of The Year in 2015, who went from 4.8 yards per carry to 3.2.

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Jeff Fisher may have miscalculated keeping his star running back off the field in last year’s preseason. McVay doesn’t look to want to make that same mistake.

Given the disappointment of Gurley last season, perhaps more reps is good for everyone.