Ronnie Rivers injury opens the door for two preseason stars

The Los Angeles Rams will be without running back and special-teamer Ronnie Rivers for at least the next four weeks after he suffered a calf injury Monday against the Giants. Head coach Sean McVay announced on Wednesday that Rivers will head to injured reserve with what he called a four-to-six-week timeline. 

While that's not great news for the Rams, it does mean an opportunity for one of the team's preseason stars in running backs Dean Connors or Jordan Waters. McVay said one of them will get the call for Sunday's game against the Broncos. 

With both seeking their NFL debuts, Week 3 will grant that opportunity. The decision, McVay said, will come down to who can provide more help on special teams, filling in for Rivers' role on gameday.

One of Rams' preseason stars will make his NFL debut vs Broncos

That may not seem like much, and it's not. But it is a chance for either player to make his mark and impress the Rams coaching staff by fulfilling whatever duties are assigned. 

Connors, an undrafted rookie out of Houston, splashed onto the scene in the preseason, flashing versatile playmaking ability.

Waters, who signed with the Rams out of college last offseason before being waived in August, isn't a pass-catcher like Connors is, but he impressed as a powerful runner and led the team with 144 preseason rushing yards on 30 carries. 

If Rams fans had their pick, the call-up would be Connors. His explosive potential was irresistibly intriguing in the preseason, and it could make him useful on special teams both in kick coverage and even as a backup returner if receiver Jordan Whittington, LA's usual choice on kickoffs, misses another game (quad). 

It's also possible the team could favor Waters given his experience in the organization. 

Big picture, any opportunity is about more than just this week. Rivers will have to miss at least four games after being placed on IR, so there will be other balls for the player who doesn't have his name called this week. At the same time, a strong performance from whoever does could earn him the nod in future games.

In any case, the Rams will base their choice on input from special teams coach Bubba Ventrone and assistant Kyle Hoke, McVay said. With a backfield tandem as dynamic and durable as Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, any third back on the roster is unlikely to carve out carries. 

There's always garbage time, though; Rivers did earn a few touches in Week 1's blowout loss. Connors or Waters will be the beneficiary in similar scenarios during his absence. Hopefully, the Rams will be on the right side of the ledger. Either way, expect a tight one on Sunday night in Denver. 

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