Puka Nacua and 7 other Rams to face the 49ers for 1st time in 2024 on TNF

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(6) - CBs Ahkello Witherspoon/Emmanuel Forbes

The LA Rams are facing a Week 15 contest on a short week, and with starting cornerback Cobie Durant's availability in question. Durant suffered a Pulmonary Contusion, an injury that is also known as a bruised lung. Depending on the severity of symptoms, Durant could be well in as little as three days or as long as two weeks. But with the team facing four must-win games, does it make sense to risk Durant's season for one game?

I think the team will trial some combination of veteran DB Ahkello Witherspoon and newly acquired Emmanuel Forbes in this one.

While Witherspoon started in both games against the 49ers last season, he was not even suited up to face the 49ers in Week 3 this season. Somehow, he has fallen out of favor with the team in 2024, and his role has fallen to a cameo role of late. But with Durant likely to sit out Week 15, Witherspoon is the most logical choice to fill in that role.

But there is the irresistible intrigue of a Round 1 defensive back in only his second season in the NFL that begs for an opportunity. And from the reports out of the Rams recent practices, DB Emmanuel Forbes appears to be trending to playing in Week 15:

"(Emmanuel Forbes Jr.) is a guy that's really picked it up above the neck. Very, very smart... So we're going to do whatever suits the game plan best, and maybe we'll see him out there."

Rams players and coaches on upcoming matchup with 49ers:https://t.co/R1wDVTf4QH
— Wyatt Miller (@wymill07) December 11, 2024

The thing is, exactly what can fans or the team expect from Forbes, a player who was shamefully released in less than two seasons after being selected in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft? He may be better than you think.

Keep in mind that the Washington Commanders hired Dan Quinn as their new head coach this season, so Forbes was returning to a team whose coach did not choose him. Secondly, he played rather well alongside current Rams DB Kamren Curl. The Rams signed Curl after the Commanders failed to extend him. And finally, he reunites with his former teammate.

Scouting Report: I don't have a feel for which player gets the larger role in Week 15. I do expect the 49ers to target whoever takes over for Durant, so look for this pair to allow five of eight completions, four tackles, and one pass deflection. I'd love to say that they combine for an interception, but I just don't know.

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