The Los Angeles Rams will be without at least one defensive starter against the Seahawks on Thursday night, and likely a key backup, too. The team released its final injury report for Week 5 on Wednesday and linebacker Bryce Hager has already been ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Rookie safety Taylor Rapp is also listed as doubtful for the game with an ankle injury, so it’s almost certain he won’t be playing against Seattle.
Sean McVay said Tuesday that they would both be game-time decisions and were making progress, but with the short week, they didn’t have much time to recover from their respective injuries.
Rapp has contributed a great deal as a dime linebacker and third safety, while Hager has been the starting inside linebacker next to Cory Littleton. Neither player is a full-time starter, but they’re important defenders – specifically Rapp.
Seattle has two players on the injury report, as well, with Duane Brown and Ethan Pocic questionable to play against the Rams.
Marqui Christian will fill in for Rapp as the No. 3 safety, and undrafted rookie Troy Reeder will take Hager’s spot at inside linebacker. He replaced Hager after his injury in Week 4.
This is the Rams’ first divisional matchup of the season as both teams sit at 3-1 overall.
