The Los Angeles Rams currently sit a half game behind the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West at 3-2 as they head to Detroit for a Week 6 matchup with the Lions.
Despite the winning record, the Rams defense is dealing with some key injuries, as three of the teams four starting defensive lineman Robert Quinn, William Hayes and Michael Brockers all missed their Week 5 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Additionally, the team’s top cover corner Trumaine Johnson left the game with an ankle injury, leaving the secondary down a man for most of the game.
None of the players were able to return to practice this week, leaving their Week 6 status in doubt.
According to Myles Simmons of therams.com, on Friday Johnson was ruled out for Sunday’s game:
On the Rams #InjuryReport, CB Trumaine Johnson has been ruled OUT for Sunday's game against Detroit. No surprise there. #DETvsLA
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) October 14, 2016
Additionally, the three defensive lineman along with guard Cody Wichmann and wide receiver Brian Quick are listed as questionable:
Also on the #InjuryReport, DT Brockers (hip), DE Hayes (ankle), DE Quinn (shoulder), OG Wichmann (ankle), & WR Quick (calf) are QUESTIONABLE
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) October 14, 2016
In five games this season Johnson has 25 total tackles, nine passes defended, a fumble recovery and an interception.
Taking Johnson’s place on the roster is cornerback Dwayne Gratz, who was recently claimed off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jaguars drafted Gratz in the third round in 2013 out of Connecticut. In three plus seasons with the team he had three interceptions, 13 pass deflections, 119 tackles and two forced fumbles. He will have the tall task of helping to stop the Lions receiving core that includes the league’s leading receiver Marvin Jones Jr.
