Blake Corum and other winners/losers from wearing pads in Rams training camp

The Los Angeles Rams had a lot to share in the post-practice press conference held by Rams HC Sean McVay. It's been a challenge to get the pads on, getting football players acclimated to resuming contact in those pads, while still managing to avoid injuries and mishaps. But that's no different from any new training camp. It's a narrow trail to getting better while avoiding injury setbacks.

The Rams want to be a physical team, but want to be smart about getting there. It's no secret that this team has faced slow starts in each of the past two seasons, and early injuries have been significant contributors to those slow starts. While new injuries showed up early, keep in mind that as of now, no injury or ailment is projected to impact the availability of players for Week 1 against the Houston Texans.

Duds (2) - Secondary injuries slow DB progress

While it's still early enough to remain calm, the Rams' injuries continue to increase in number. The first injury occurred to veteran safety Kam Curl, which immediately resulted in his face expressing pain, and he was looked at in the Rams' medical tent. Curl is projected to be a starter this season, but will need to play well to fend off both Kam Kinchens and Jaylen McCollough.

Initial reports suggest that Curl suffered the injury when a teammate stepped on his ankle.

Another injury occurred to veteran cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, a player who has made significant progress so far in training camp. Reports surfaced that he pulled his hamstring. He tried to tough it out in 11 on 11 drills, but Coach Aubrey Pleasant could see he was impacted, and shut him down to get medical attention.

While both were treated, Coach McVay was not overly concerned about the status of either player.

Duds - (1) | Pooh Paul Jr. lost reps due to injury

The truth of the matter is that rookie inside linebacker Pooh Paul Jr. needs to be getting reps, and right now, he's not getting them. So in the post-practice press conference, Rams HC Sean McVay mentioned Pooh Paul's name as a participant in the first preseason game. While that is not alarming, it does suggest that Paul is not penciled in as a true starter.

While I categorize this as a dud, this has plenty of upside for both Pooh Paul Jr. and Rams fans. For openers, more reps are better for rookies, and participation in preseason games will certainly ensure that Paul gets plenty of work. And just as Omar Speights leveraged great preseason production into a starting role on the defense, Pooh Paul Jr.'s rookie season can follow the same track.

What I love most about this is the chance to see Paul perform. From what we know so far, he is as stingy in run defense as Omar Speights, but may have a significant edge at pass defense.

Standout - (3) | Blake Corum has solid practice

Second-year running back Blake Corum has admitted to dropping weight to add explosiveness, and he showed plenty of burst and explosiveness in the Rams offense at training camp. He managed to put his burst on display twice in two consecutive plays that drew reactions from the crowd in attendance.

It's clear that the Rams plan a larger role for Corum this season, and he is stepping up to ensure that the offense can rely on him to handle a larger share of the workload. Corum did not get much work in 2024, and that leaves him vulnerable this season. Complicating matters further is the addition of dynamic rookie running back Jarquez Hunter, and you can see why Corum is putting so much on the football field this early.

Standout - (2) | Kobie Turner stepping up alongside Poona Ford

Of course, all eyes will be on new nose tackle Poona Ford. But the player who is most likely to benefit from Ford's presence is third-year defensive lineman Kobie Turner. Turner has been one of the most double-teamed defensive linemen in the NFL for the past two seasons, and because he is so strong against both the pass and the run, the team had to milk him for as many defensive snaps as possible.

But this is a new defensive line, and the depth chart holds many interchangeable parts to throw into the trenches. As such, Turner's workload should lessen as his productivity increases. And Turner is already showing how playing alongside NT Poona Ford has supercharged his game. Suddenly, Ford is the focus of double teams, allowing Turner to step up and make plays.

Standout - (1) | Jimmy Garoppolo showing clear command of the offense

While he's no Matthew Stafford, veteran backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo continues to burn through false perceptions like game-manager and limited arm strength by showing up and feeding the Rams' talented receivers with plenty of passes all over the football field. While his familiarity with WR Davante Adams helps, he has been connecting with all receivers and pushing defensive backs to the limit.

Even as Stafford rests his back, Garoppolo shows every indication that if the team needs to call upon him to lead the offense in 2025, he is more than ready., That is very reassuring, and Rams fans' anxiety over Stafford's durability is starting to show.

If the team has to play without Stafford for even one game this season, Garoppolo is the perfect quarterback to take over. Garoppolo and OC Mike LaFleur shared time in the San Francisco 49ers offense. Jimmy G. shared time with WR Davante Adams in the Las Vegas Raiders offense. And he is quite effective at running an offense with strong production from tight ends and running backs.

There is plenty to discuss about the Rams training camp, and preseason games are just around the corner. Stay tuned, and football is back. As always, thanks for reading.

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