Derion Kendrick is back with the Los Angeles Rams after being arrested early Monday morning on a felony concealed weapon charge. The legal process is ongoing, but it’s up to Sean McVay to decide whether Kendrick will play on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
McVay told reporters Friday that Kendrick is practicing Friday and he could play this weekend. Kendrick has started all six games for Los Angeles this season and is a key member of the defense, so losing him for even one game would be significant.
CB Derion Kendrick could play for the Rams on Sunday vs Pittsburgh, Sean McVay says. Kendrick was arrested early Monday morning, but he's practicing with the team today.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) October 20, 2023
McVay met with Kendrick and after speaking with him, he believes this will be a learning opportunity. He expressed trust in the second-year cornerback, feeling comfortable with moving forward from this incident.
Sean McVay says he spoke to Derion Kendrick today at the Rams' complex: "I trust this kid's heart. I believe in him. I also believe in forgiveness and understanding. … Based on my understanding of what occurred, I feel like this is something we can move forward with."
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) October 20, 2023
If Kendrick doesn’t play, the Rams will likely use either Tre Tomlinson or Duke Shelley as the No. 3 cornerback behind Ahkello Witherspoon and Cobie Durant.
