Rams depleted secondary gets unlikely break in Week 5 showdown with 49ers

The Los Angeles Rams secondary has been exceeding expectations, of sorts.

LA has already lost starting cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon for most of the season with a fractured clavicle. And while the data is limited to just four games, there is growing concern over fellow corner Emmanuel Forbes Jr. Forbes. He has shown more of a fit as a rotational player than as a starter.

As much as the shaky offensive line caught a lucky break in Week 4 when facing the less-than-feared Indianapolis Colts defense, the same luck seems to be in play for Week 5's Thursday Night Football showdown against the San Francisco as well.

Los Angeles' secondary faces a rather anonymous and benign Niners receiver corps that may be forced to feature the following wideouts:

• Demarcus Robinson
• Kendrick Bourne
• Skyy Moore
• Russell Gage
• Marquez Valdez Scanting

Of course, this is a heated NFC West rivalry, so you can expect a game of anything goes. Toss out records (both teams enter this one at 3-1) and injury reports. When San Francisco and Los Angeles clash, it's going to be a slobberknocker that will keep fans on the edge of their seats from the opening kickoff to the final whistle.

Rams secondary faces huge test in Week 5 vs. depleted 49ers WRs

On paper, the 49ers offense is depleted to a point of concern. It's an offense now without tight end George Kittle, wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, Jordan Watkins, and quarterback Brock Purdy all because of various injury issues. If the shoe were on the other foot, LA would be in dire straits.

But, this is the type of game that resets NFL careers. For players trying to climb to the top of the summit, standing out in a bitter rivalry can underline that elite status. Players like wide receiver Puka Nacua or outside linebacker Jared Verse are perfectly suited to take center stage in this one. It's a national audience, with every eye trained on the stars who show up on Thursday Night Football.

However, it's also an opportunity to mend torn reputations. A solid game by Forbes or even veteran Darious Williams would turn their entire seasons around. Right now, nothing could be better than some of the pieces finally fitting into place.

The home team needs the victory much more. With only one in-conference game in the books over the first four weeks, a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles can ill afford to lose to a second conference opponent.

Meanwhile, San Francisco appears to be playing the long game. That is, the team is not rushing anyone to suit up for this one, relying on a 17-game season and aiming to heal players fully. It's the type of move LA typically makes in similar circumstances.

This is the first time the Horns' defense faces a former teammate in Robinson, too, which is of note. Robinson was a touchdown-scoring savant in head coach Sean McVay's offense, and the veteran pass catcher knows Los Angeles' defensive backs as well as they know themselves. He has undoubtedly shared his knowledge with his current teammates, making this a bit of an unpredictable contest.

As always, thanks for reading.

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