Rams’ Week 2 win sparks chaotic ripple effect the front office didn’t expect

While the Los Angeles Rams roster remains relatively healthy compared to other NFL teams after two weeks of play, they haven’t been completely immune to injuries. The team was unable to get starting left guard Steve Avila (ankle) or backup tight end Colby Parkinson (shoulder) ready in time for Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans. Justin Dedich and Davis Allen filled in.

But injuries are a harsh reality in professional football. They’ve been one of the main culprits behind the Rams’ slow starts in each of the past two seasons. Fortunately, the painful lessons of the past inspired the front office to balance the need for elite starters with the practical necessity of depth. And that “just in case” arrived in Week 2, when starting cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was forced to leave the game. Afterward, fans learned he’d be out for a couple of months with a broken clavicle.

That type of injury typically takes one to two months to heal. Of course, that only covers the bone. Full recovery requires rehab to restore strength and range of motion, followed by getting back into football shape. In short, it’ll be a while before Witherspoon is truly ready to return.

Rams front office faces tough calls in wake of Week 2 injuries

There’s no ambiguity with Ahkello Witherspoon — a broken clavicle means immobilizing the shoulder so the bone can heal properly. That means a sling or harness for at least four weeks. Naturally, the team placed him on IR.

Of course, that move usually signals other roster shifts. And with the team having lost RB Cody Schrader from the practice squad to the Jacksonville Jaguars, multiple actions are now required from the front office. So, what should fans expect?

1. Look for the team to promote AJ Green or Cam Lampkin from the practice squad

Some fans or sites might instantly use the Witherspoon injury to call for signing any free-agent cornerback with a recognizable name, but don’t expect the Rams to go that route. The defense is already built with players who understand their roles. As fans learned from claiming veteran CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr. off waivers from Washington, even talented players offer little immediate help if they’re new to the system.

Both AJ Green and Cam Lampkin are more viable options to fill in while Witherspoon recovers. Green is a 6-foot-2, 198-pound corner who impressed in the preseason. Lampkin is 5-foot-11, 176 pounds, and has a solid understanding of the Rams’ defensive scheme.

2. Team may want to add a familiar DB to the practice squad

Many of the cornerbacks released to trim the roster to 53 have already landed with other teams. Derion Kendrick is now with the Seahawks. Charles Woods is with the Patriots. Tre Tomlinson is with the 49ers. Still, the Rams could consider a reunion with veteran John Johnson III or bring back injured CB Shaun Jolly.

Other free agents are also possible, but the front office typically prefers familiarity when looking for quick-fill depth in the secondary.

3. Les Snead may look to round out the PS with a developmental player

With the team needing to make several moves, there’s an opportunity to fill the void left by Cody Schrader. But with rookie Jarquez Hunter already stepping up, the team doesn’t need to rush to replace a running back.

Instead, the Rams may look to bring back a productive preseason player like DL Bill Norton, RB Jordan Waters, or IOL Ben Dooley. They could also explore adding a player recently released by another team who might be worth developing. Either way, the Rams have multiple pending roster moves to sort out.

The question now: Who fills those vacancies, and when?

As always, thanks for reading.

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