Training camp kicked off for the Los Angeles Rams and most other teams this week as they begin their preparation for the 2024 season.
The Rams reported to camp as healthy as you can ask as tight end Tyler Higbee was the only player placed on the PUP list, which was expected after he tore his ACL and MCL in the playoff game against the Detroit Lions.
Teams typically ease into things on the first couple days of camp though to avoid guys getting injured. But unfortunately, injuries are still sometimes unavoidable and that was the case with Derion Kendrick, who looks to have torn his ACL during the first practice according to Adam Schefter of ESPN:
Sources: Rams projected starting CB Derion Kendrick, the team’s 2022 sixth-round pick, is feared to have torn his ACL during practice. He will undergo additional testing to confirm the initial diagnosis. pic.twitter.com/uzPjBqHAke
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 25, 2024
An injury on the first day of training camp is obviously never ideal and if Kendrick did indeed tear his ACL then his 2024 season will be over before it ever started.
Adding to the secondary was a big focus for the Rams this offseason after that unit struggled last season. Kendrick appeared in all 17 games for L.A. last season, starting 12 of them and recording 49 total tackles, 10 passes defensed and one inerception.
With the team signing two veterans in Darious Williams and Tre’Davious White though, Kendrick seemed to be the odd man out in the cornerback room. Cobie Durant is expected to start until White is fully healthy coming off a torn Achilles and Tre Tomlinson is another young cornerback that seems to be emerging for the Rams.
Regardless, not having Kendrick means the Rams lose some depth in the secondary, which is never ideal, especially when you already have a player in White making his way back from a significant injury of his own.
It will be interesting to see if the Rams now look to the free agent market to bring in another corner or if they stick with their in-house options. Ahkello Witherspoon, who played well for the Rams last season, is still a free agent and probably can be re-signed on a cheap one-year contract if L.A. chooses to go that route.
Rams & Matthew Stafford resolve contract issue
One of the big Rams storylines leading into training camp was the contract situation of Matthew Stafford as he wanted more guaranteed money on his deal. While it took all the way until the start of camp, the Rams and Stafford were able to resolve their issue to get him on the practice field with his teammates.
