Two key role players left Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with injuries and were unable to return, greatly impacting the defense. First, Bryce Hager went down with a shoulder injury in the first half after playing just 12 snaps. Then later in the game, Taylor Rapp injured his ankle and had to be carted to the locker room.
They’re not full-time starters, but both Rapp and Hager improve the defense over their current backups. unfortunately, there’s a chance neither player will be available on Thursday night against the Seahawks.
Rapp and Hager missed practice on Tuesday and remain uncertain to play in Seattle. According to Sean McVay, they’re making progress but will be game-time decisions.
“Yeah, it’s really kind of the same. Bryce and Taylor didn’t participate today. They’re making progress and it’s going to really go up to game time, until hopefully we’ll be able to have them. But we’re not sure right now,” McVay said after Tuesday’s practice.
The short week with a Thursday night game is certainly hurting the Rams in this situation, giving Rapp and Hager much less time to recover from their injuries. Had the game been scheduled for Sunday, it would’ve given them a few extra days to get healthy and potentially play.
If Rapp can’t play, McVay said Marqui Christian will fill in, just as he did on Sunday against the Bucs.
“Yeah, you would see some similar things. We could look at doing some different packages, but I think you’ll see an increased role for Marqui if that’s the case. He did a nice job stepping in the other day,” McVay said.
Andrew Whitworth was added to the injury report, but just for his usual veteran rest day. Marcus Peters was a full participant again, too.
