Losing Jaylen Watson will quickly answer Rams' Emmanuel Forbes question

The downpour simply won't let up. After aggravating his shoulder injury against the Chargers, Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jaylen Watson will undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the year, head coach Sean McVay announced Wednesday. 

That's it. Done. Over. Seven games of All-Pro-level play and it's see-ya-next-year for Watson. Devastating. 

The next question, of course, is how the Rams will fare without him. Naturally, backups Josh Wallace and Emmanuel Forbes will continue to get reps - a lot more of them now, especially in Forbes' case. 

While Wallace has already established himself as a regular rotation member, Forbes has seen a modest 129 defensive snaps. The vast majority of his playing time has come in games with either Watson or Trent McDuffie missing. 

He's played well, but how will Forbes hold up in a larger sample? That didn't go so well last season, when PFF ranked Forbes in the bottom tier at the position. Rams fans are about to find out whether anything has changed.

Rams need Forbes more than ever with Watson out for season

McDuffie and Wallace will presumably remain the designated starters, but Forbes could spend a decent chunk of time as one of the two outside corners. The Rams have used Wallace as a nickelback before, and in general his greater size and strength make him better suited to move around. 

Although Forbes has lined up in various ways too, leaving him matched up against running backs, tight ends, or physical slot receivers isn't ideal. In the past, he's been vulnerable to missed tackles. If he can hold his own in coverage, however, he can carve out a regular role as cover corner.

Forbes has graded out quite well thus far. Pro Football Focus has given him an 80.8 overall grade, with plus marks in both coverage and run defense. He has allowed only eight completions on 16 targets, for just 50 yards. Quarterbacks have only a 77.6 passer rating against him. 

Since his mistake-marred showing in Denver, Forbes has been a surprising plus in the Rams secondary. The question is whether he can still be that in an increased role, or whether his weaknesses - ill-advised penalties, botched tackles, the occasional blown assignment - will be exposed. 

The silver lining to Watson's injury is that the Rams have, at least, had plenty of experience covering for either of the star corners this season. McDuffie has missed two games and is battling a back injury. Watson missed the second half against the Broncos and Week 4 in Philadelphia. He also exited early in Week 8.

It's probably safe to assume that Forbes won't be quite as effective, but that's okay. He does have starting experience; he started 14 games for the Rams last season. He brings energy, active hands, and a keen eye for the football (Forbes had three interceptions and 18 passes defensed a year ago). 

To be fair, of course, 2025 Forbes wasn't exactly lights-out in an expanded role.

This season's defense will need his strong play thus far to translate across a bump in playing time. A pending free agent who could land a solid contract next offseason, Forbes has every incentive to give them his best efforts. 

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