As the preseason winds down, the Los Angeles Rams are likely configuring a final depth chart for the 2019 NFL season. With some players likely to be cut or relegated to the practice team, it will be interesting to see who the Rams have put their faith into this season.
Of course, the bulk of the roster is comprised of returning players, but some questions still remain at certain positions. One of those positions is the nose tackle spot left vacant by the departure of Ndamukong Suh.
Now, news has come out that Sebastian Joseph-Day, who was in contention to start at nose tackle, was held out of Saturday night’s game against the Denver Broncos due to injury.
According to Stu Jackson of TheRams.com, Joseph-Day is dealing with hamstring tightness, although it is believed to be minor:
#LARams DT Sebastian Joseph-Day did not play tonight due to tightness in his hamstring, per Rams head coach Sean McVay.
"We felt like that was going to be the best decision. We didn't want to leave him exposed to further injuring that, and that was what went into the decision."
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) August 25, 2019
Joseph-Day is a part of the trio the Rams are considering to start at nose tackle alongside A.P. Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald. Joseph-Day has not played very much in the preseason and according to Jackson, the Rams were considering holding him out of their matchup with the Broncos regardless of injury.
Head coach Sean McVay has been very cautious with any injuries this offseason. He has kept all of his starters out of the preseason so far, hoping to allow them to have a long and healthy regular season.
Holding Joseph-Day out for such a mild injury could potentially signal that the Rams are leaning towards starting him. Of course, even if he is a backup, there would be no reason to expose him to further injury.
None of Joseph-Day, Greg Gaines or Tanzel Smart have seen a tremendous amount of time in the preseason as all have potential to start at the nose tackle. There has been little indication of who is going to earn the since the beginning of training camp though.
With two weeks until the start of the regular season, hopefully, more information will come out soon. Joseph-Day was drafted by the Rams in 2018 but has yet to see any regular-season action.
