LA Rams: Rookie DL Bobby Brown III suffers minor thumb injury

The bad boy from Texas is making waves at the LA Rams training camp. But so far, it’s difficult to tell whether that is a good thing or a not-so-good thing. You see, rookie defensive lineman Bobby Brown III has suffered a minor setback this week in training camp. It appears as though he suffered a UCL injury to his thumb and it will require surgery. The LA Rams rookies are struggling with NFL durability so far.

If you recall, that is the same thumb repair that incoming quarterback Matthew Stafford underwent in the offseason. Since Brown will be fitted for a cast, he should be back to training camp and drilling in approximately a week’s time. That could slow down some of Bobby Brown’s progress.

While Brown has tremendous potential, the LA Rams have a strong group of young players vying for the shot at lining up next to All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald.

Los Angeles Rams

As Brown recovers, the LA Rams will undoubtedly take a closer look at Eric Banks, Earnest Brown IV, Marquise Copeland, John Daka, Michael Hoecht, George Silvanic, and Jonah Williams.  Yes, defensive line coach Eric Henderson has his work cut out for him. But Coach Henderson loves the work, that grind, and it’s evident that has made a strong impression upon his players.

Keep an eye on second-year Michael Hoecht in this training camp.  Although an undrafted arrival from a year ago, Hoecht is incredibly athletic, both in power and in speed/agility. Without Bobby Brown III in drills, I expect that Hoecht’s versatility and potential will give him some looks with the 1s this week.

Another player to keep an eye on is Eric Banks. Banks initially made the 53-man roster until veteran DL A’Shawn Robinson returned to the active roster. While Banks did not see action, it’s clear that he possesses the potential in the LA Rams defense to develop into an NFL-ready player.

Bobby Brown III will be back in a cast soon enough. In the meantime, the LA Rams will have time to look over the rest of the defensive linemen.