Aside from dropping a disappointing game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10, the Los Angeles Rams will now have to navigate a number of key injuries if they hope to bounce back against the Chicago Bears and keep their playoff hopes alive.
The Rams have already announced that center Brian Allen has been ruled out for the rest of the 2019 NFL season with an injured MCL. To make matters worse, right tackle Rob Havenstein also picked up a meniscus injury during the 17-12 loss to the Steelers.
Los Angeles will not have much time to recover with the Bears coming to town for a primetime matchup in Week 11. It seems head coach Sean McVay is already expecting to be shorthanded.
McVay says Havenstein, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, and cornerback Darious Williams have been ruled out against the Bears, via Stu Jackson of the team’s official website:
Rams head coach Sean McVay said starting RT Rob Havenstein (meniscus), WR Brandin Cooks (concussion) and DB Darious Williams (ankle) will not play against the Bears on Sunday.
The injuries to the offensive line undoubtedly deal a crushing blow to a group that was already trying to find its footing amidst some significant changes. Los Angeles will now be without three of its initial starters to begin the season after losing guard Joseph Noteboom with a torn ACL and MCL earlier in the year.
While McVay is hoping the extra week of rest will allow him to recover, he acknowledged it could be two games before Havenstein makes his return. The Rams will now have to make another series of adjustments upfront in order to buy time until he comes back.
Meanwhile, Cooks continues to do what he can to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol after suffering his second within the span of a month in Week 7. He took the trip to Pittsburgh to get another opinion from a specialist and it seems Los Angeles will continue to take a cautious approach with his recovery.
Cooks’ absence has left a notable void in the Rams receiving corps and his absence was undoubtedly felt by the offense after they failed to get anything going against the hounding Steelers defense.
Williams also picked up an ankle injury on the road trip and was forced to leave the game during the second quarter. McVay indicated that he is likely going to miss the next few games as well, dealing a further blow to the depth in the secondary.
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