In the last two years, the Rams have had excellent luck on the injury front. They’ve suffered very few significant injuries, not landing many key starters on injured reserve. That’s partly due to luck, but it’s also a testament to the job the training staff does with players.
This season hasn’t been that way, though. Aqib Talib and John Johnson were both placed on injured reserve, and Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen suffered season-ending injuries. It’s forced the Rams to thrust backups into starting roles, which has been a challenge for Sean McVay.
Obviously no coach wants to have to deal with injuries, but McVay has learned from this challenge.
“It’s been different, but it’s been something that inevitably you have to be able to deal with. I think it’s been a great learning experience for myself. You continue to gain the appreciation for the accumulation of experience as you just learn and navigate through the inevitable – good and bad times that come with being in this role. I think what it does give you is a perspective and an appreciation for how healthy we’ve been able to stay the first couple of years. Then when you look around, some of these things are not really preventable and that’s what you have to be able to deal with. I think it’s been a great opportunity to see guys continue to get opportunities, maximize those chances that they’ve gotten and us to work through some things that we haven’t had a chance to before. I know I’m learning a lot and you kind of appreciate it. It certainly gives you a better perspective on what’s been really, some unique things that we’ve been able to have taken place over our first couple of years – in terms of the health that we’ve had.”
In addition to those other players landing on injured reserve, the Rams have also been without Gerald Everett for the last two weeks, and he’ll miss Sunday’s game, as well. Rob Havenstein has been sidelined with a knee injury, as well, and is doubtful for Week 15.
Bobby Evans has played extremely well in Havenstein’s place, and the last two weeks, Tyler Higbee has caught seven passes for at least 100 yards each game. It’s contributions like those that make McVay appreciate the Rams’ depth.
