LA Rams assign 4 players to PUP list at advent of 2022 training camp

The LA Rams are all set to begin their 2022 training camp. Well, all but for players, that is. Due to various injuries, recoveries, and rehabs, four players will be assigned to the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the LA Rams training camp. Some we knew would be coming, others we suspected may be the case, and finally, at least one is a bit of a surprise.

The players who have been designated to the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list are:

• Posn     Player                  Injury

1. DB         Jalen Ramsey    Shoulder
2. DB         Quentin Lake     Undisclosed
3. RB         Kyren Williams  Foot
4. LB          Travin Howard  Hamstring

Okay, so now what does this mean?

For the player, it means that the player cannot practice until being medically cleared to do so. But the status permits players to attend and participate during team meetings and PUP players may continue to use team training and medical facilities.

For the team, players who are designated on the PUP list can be activated at any time during training camp and preseason games. However, once the team has pared down the roster to their 53-man active roster, any player listed on the PUP list may not be activated until four games have passed. That is a rule change, as the restriction had been that activating a player on the PUP list was not permitted until a minimum of six weeks had passed.

The LA Rams are not in any hurry to rush players along. So what does this mean in terms of timetables?

Jalen Ramsey is a physical defensive back who actively uses all of his body to tackle ball carriers. Since he knows the defense, is an All-Pro veteran, and is a surefire Day 1 starter, the goal will be to have him ready for the season opener against the Buffalo Bills.  He will likely be held out as long as possible but will be taken off the list in order to be named to the team’s initial 53-man roster.

There is not much information on Quentin Lake’s status, other than the fact that he is on the PUP list to start training camp. He will need as much of training camp as possible, so he should be expected to be reinstated as quickly as possible.

The word to date on RB Kyren Williams so far is that his foot injury was surgically-corrected. Now it’s simply a matter of healing, rehabbing, getting stronger, and getting medical clearance. I’d like to say that he is on track to return to the team in time to participate in one or two preseason games, but I have no basis for that conclusion.

The word on LB Travin Howard is the least encouraging. In the training camp opening press conference, LA Rams head coach Sean McVay indicated that Howard suffered a groin pull and may need surgery. If that is the case, he will likely spend some time on IR for the start of the 2022 NFL season.