LA Rams rookie RB Kyren Williams injured . . . Again.

What is it about the LA Rams and the fascination with smallish running backs? If you know the answer, please let us know. The LA Rams love the ability of smallish running back Darrell Henderson Jr., a 5-foot-8 208-pound change-of-pace running back who can make a huge impact as long as he stays healthy. But the problem is keeping him healthy.

To address the durability issue, the LA Rams were delighted to draft Notre Dame running back Kyren Williams, a 5-foot-9 194-pound running back who the Rams loved. Williams, it seems, was a projected solid fit in the Rams’ offense. Another smallish running back, he boasts the ability to threaten the perimeter just like Henderson, to become a dangerous target when running routes, and a capable pass blocker on occasion when necessary.

But rookie Kyren Williams is learning about the big boy way that the NFL plays the sport of football. It’s a tough physical version, a game that pits the most of each player against the best of their opponent. It’s not easy.

Williams suffered an ill-timed injury to his foot, that all but sidelined him through training camp. He did heal up in time to get in some practice-field work during preseason, but due to his certainty of making the 53-man roster, he did not see any action in preseason games.

If he was planning to debut for the LA Rams’ offense in the season opener, those plans were shelved early in the game. Williams, like many rookies, was platooned to contribute on special teams.  Well that all came to a hard halt when Williams pulled up with an ankle injury.

The Rams did not even make it to halftime, and their rookie running back who was anticipated to make an impact, has suffered a second injury. While we have no information about the seriousness of William’s injury, his durability is immediately a future concern.

It’s a touchy subject with the LA Rams in recent years. From the aggregate injuries to Rams star running back Todd Gurley, to the unreliable status of Darrell Henderson, and now to the fact that the Rams have a rookie running back who has been injured twice before ever touching the football?

I just wish the Rams would opt for one big ole bruising running back to help carry the load. Oh well, the LA Rams will do what the Rams will do.

Update: Rams Kyren Williams is believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain, an injury that could very likely keep him out until the team’s BYE week on Week 7.