Terrance Ferguson's return leads Rams' small consolation after Jaylen Watson injury

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jaylen Watson is done for the year. He'll undergo season-ending shoulder surgery after re-injuring himself last week against the Chargers.

Head coach Sean McVay said Watson tried to play through his bad shoulder, which he first dislocated in Week 3 against the Broncos, but that the team determined surgery was the best route for his long-term health.

That's by far the biggest news from Wednesday's injury updates, but there are a few positives. We already knew Myles Garrett would be back from injured reserve. We didn't know for sure about tight end Terrance Ferguson, but as the Rams hoped, he too had his three-week practice clock started. By the end of the period, LA must either put him on the active roster or return to season-ending IR status.

McVay almost forgot to mention an added bonus: running back Ronnie Rivers, out since Week 2 with a calf injury, is also back. McVay he would be a full participant in practice and that the Rams would activate him this week. That's excellent timing with Dean Connors joining the IR exodus with a broken hand.

No, none of that makes up for losing Watson, but it's as good a time as any to get back some reinforcements elsewhere.

Rams are getting Ferguson and Rivers back at the right time

Garrett may not suit up for a while. The Rams could hold him out until Week 12, after the bye. They could do the same with Ferguson, but that feels less likely. He's younger, didn't have surgery on his injured ankle, and didn't need as long of a recovery period.

The team still handled him cautiously, but after a previous delay in Ferguson's timeline, it wouldn't be shocking to see him active this Sunday. 

Whenever he does come back, it will be a big boost. Matthew Stafford has no one to throw to aside from Puka Nacua and his remaining tight ends. Colby Parkinson is at risk of missing Week 9 with a rib injury.

The Rams could trade for a receiver, but will they? While McVay hasn't ruled out a move, it certainly sounds as if standing pat is the plan. Maybe they'll take a flier on the fringes.

In that context, Ferguson will be a big help in the receiving game. The sooner he's back, the better.

Rivers' return could be sneakily significant, even if it doesn't manifest itself in an improvement as much as the avoidance of further disaster. Primarily a special-teams contributor, he can step in where Connors left off and also brings more experience as a kick returner. 

With the Rams' weekly special-teams meltdowns, the last thing they need is to be undermanned. As far as the return game, changes are needed across the board. Throw mud pies at the wall and see what sticks.

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