Eric Kendricks gives Rams defense options with Nate Landman out in Week 7

The Los Angeles Rams will be without linebacker Nate Landman in Week 7 due to a concussion, but that does mean we'll get our first look at Erick Kendricks, who was elevated from the practice squad for the game after being signed earlier this month for just this kind of scenario.

In other injury news, cornerback Trent McDuffie and receiver Puka Nacua are both questionable. 

As for Kendricks, it will be interesting to see how much playing time he gets on defense. Shaun Dolac and even Grant Stuard could also factor into the rotation alongside Landman's partner in crime, Omar Speights. Kendricks could be mostly a special teams contributor, or he could settle in as the main man given his track record and experience. 

Eric Kendricks set to see his first action with the Rams

Although a bit later in the season, Kendricks faced a similar scenario last year with the San Francisco 49ers. They added Kendricks to the practice squad in late November, then called him up around a month later as injuries decimated the roster. 

Kendricks played three regular-season games, starting one, and then started both playoff contests. He was a key contributor in a Wild Card Round win over the Eagles, tallying 10 tackles and two TFLs. 

The Rams likely don't plan to miss Landman for that long, but Kendricks should have enough left in the tank to step in and do the job against the Raiders, whatever that is. LA could call on Dolac for his youthful energy and coverage skills, which could be a better fit against star tight end Brock Bowers. Expect Las Vegas to try and isolate Rams linebackers. 

LA could counter by leaning into nickel or dime packages, bringing in extra DBs and leaving Speights as the only off-ball linebacker on the field, but that might depend somewhat on whether McDuffie suits up. 

Anyway, why not give Kendricks a shot? A 2019 All-Pro First-Teamer with the Vikings, the 11-year veteran can give the Rams production, which with Landman out is something in itself. His experience and leadership could help hold the defense together as it reels from injuries to multiple starters. 

In addition to Landman and potentially McDuffie being ruled out, defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Poona Ford are both on injured reserve. Ford is done for the season. 

Kendricks suiting up and playing meaningful snaps on defense could also avoid overloading Dolac and Stuard on top of their work on special teams. 

Alternatively, deploying Kendricks on special teams would keep Dolac fresh for defensive reps. Dolac played well filling in briefly for an injured Speights in Week 1. 

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