Final Week 8 injury report: missing Coleman Shelton would throw Rams for another loop

The injury bug just keeps biting the Los Angeles Rams. Ahead of their Week 8 game against the Chargers, they have multiple new names to monitor, led by center Coleman Shelton.

Shelton's hip injury, which happened last week in Las Vegas per head coach Sean McVay, held him out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Encouragingly, he returned as a limited participant on Friday.

Shelton is listed as questionable along with cornerback Trent McDuffie (groin), tight end Colby Parkinson (rib), and receiver Jordan Whittington (back). Long snapper Joe Cardona is doubtful with an ankle injury. 

If Shelton can't go, the Rams have indicated that Dylan McMahon, who saw his first three snaps this season against the Raiders, will start in his place. The former Eagles draft pick has one career start, in Week 18 of the 2024 season, which accounts for the only meaningful action of his three-year career. Hopefully replacing Shelton will be one less thing for the Rams to worry about come game day.

Covering for Coleman Shelton would be especially challenging

The starting offensive line has been one of the heartiest groups, and the most consistently elite, on the roster. Aside from Alaric Jackson's Week 6 suspension, when veteran David Quessenberry filled in, the unit has kept whole.

The starters' overall availability has helped the Rams navigate injuries to rookie tackle Keagen Trost, now back with the team, and guard Justin Dedich, who remains on IR. 

Missing Shelton, though, could really throw them for a loop. Not only would he represent another absent starter, he has been the anchor up front. Asking McMahon to step in, after spending last season on the practice squad and having seen 3 total snaps since the 2024 campaign, would be a tall order. 

Among LA's scant other options, 2024 sixth-rounder Beaux Limmer started at center as a rookie, but evidently he hasn't earned a second chance. 

Shelton's potential absence could, of course, come in addition to that of McDuffie, Parkinson, Whittington, or Cardona, but the Rams can more adequately "replace" the others.

Jaylen Watson is playing like an A-1 corner himself, and Josh Wallace has stepped in as a solid second starter. While missing Parkinson would hurt, the tight-end room would still have Tyler Higbee and Davis Allen, plus rookie second-rounder Max Klare. 

If Whittington is out, dial up more reps for Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell, and - would they, could they, give a rookie his shot? - potentially CJ Daniels. At long snapper, LA brought in Jake McQuaide for his third stint with the team in case Cardona can't go. 

Obviously none of that would be ideal, but the Rams have had plenty of practice navigating key absences at each of those positions. Subbing in McMahon for Shelton, PFF's fourth-graded center this season, would be another matter entirely. 

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