After an entire summer of anticipation, the regular season is finally here for the Los Angeles Rams. With one game and one win already in the books, the Rams are picking up where they left off last season after defeating the Carolina Panthers on the road.
Although the Rams winning ways are continuing, they are doing so with a somewhat different roster. The Rams defense, in particular, was one area to keep an eye on, as new additions Clay Matthews and Eric Weddle made their team debuts. Matthews had a great first game including two solo tackles and one sack, but Weddle’s was cut short.
During the second quarter, Weddle suffered an apparent head injury while trying to tackle Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey. He was later diagnosed with a laceration in his head, which makes sense considering there was noticeable blood all over his face. He was also tested for a concussion.
Despite not returning to the game, Rams fans can exhale as Weddle has already said that he is feeling good, via Lindsey Thiry of ESPN:
Eric Weddle announces in open locker room, to no one in particular, that he’s good. He says he’ll talk Monday.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) September 8, 2019
Presumably, the Rams will be providing consistent updates this upcoming with Weddle being evaluated for a concussion. While it is of course concerning for Weddle to have been carted off, it is reassuring to hear that he feels good. Weddle even tweeted during the game, tanking the fans for their thoughts and cheering on his teammates:
Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. I'm good as gold. Now let's go finish this game with a DUB!!!!
— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) September 8, 2019
Weddle was having a solid game before his injury, putting up six total tackles. The veteran was recently named one of the team’s six captains along with Aaron Donald, Jared Goff, Johnny Hekker, Aqib Talib and Andrew Whitworth.
If Weddle happens to be more injured that he believes it is likely that four-year veteran safety Marqui Christian will take over. Christian was selected in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He was released later that summer and was quickly picked up by the Rams. Through his first three years with the team, he has played 39 games.
Although currently listed at the strong safety slot, the Rams also have rookie second-round pick Taylor Rapp on their roster. Despite Weddle’s injury, Rapp saw limited playing time in his pro debut.
