20 LA Rams offseason player injury updates for 2020 season
By Bret Stuter
Defensive front seven player injuries
Player Position Injury Status
Cory Littleton Inside linebacker Chest May not return for training camp
Micah Kiser Linebacker Pectoral May not return for training camp
Justin Lawler Defensive End Foot May not return for training camp
Bryce Hager Inside linebacker Shoulder May not return for training camp
Josh Carraway Linebacker Achilles May not return for training camp
Michael Brockers Defensive End Ankle May not return for training camp
The defensive front seven injuries were a series of nagging tweaks and minor injuries. The larger story here is the fact that ILB Cory Littleton, ILB Bryce Hager, and DE Michael Brockers are all unrestricted free agents in 2020.
LB Littleton suffered a chest bruise, officially diagnosed as a pulmonary contusion, which heals naturally with rest. DE Brockers suffered a late season ankle injury. However, the good news is that he will not need surgery, as it was merely a high-ankle sprain. Ankle sprains are tough to heal during the regular season. But with rest and structured exercise, he will be better than ever.
LB Hager suffered a pinched nerve in his neck which forced him in and out of the lineup. The Rams ultimately placed him on injured reserve to allow his shoulder/neck to heal. LB Kiser suffered left pectoral damage which required surgery and effectively thwarted plans to start next to Littleton. He should be back and on track in 2020 and should be ready to compete for a starting ILB role.
Defensive end Justin Lawler has the right size and agility to fill in at either defensive end or outside linebacker. While he suffered a foot injury in 2019 which required surgery, he has healed for nearly a year. With so many defensive standouts leaving via free agency, Lawler will play a significant role for the team as he competes for playing time.