The Los Angeles Rams have already gotten to work this offseason as just one week into 2020, their coaching staff looks very different after letting go of a few key members, including defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.
In a different, but just as important, piece of news, Rams safety Eric Weddle is getting healthy after being banged up to finish the season. The veteran safety underwent knee surgery in what appears to be a preventative operation.
According Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Weddle had a meniscus trim and is looking to be fully healthy in a few weeks time:
A meniscus trim for #Rams S Eric Weddle — not a very exciting surgery for his first ever but I think he’s OK with that. His recovery from the scope is expected to be in a matter of weeks, not months. https://t.co/yVShuArDA0
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 8, 2020
This was Weddle’s first ever surgery, coming just four days after his 35th birthday. While Weddle described himself as “lucky and blessed” to have avoided going under the knife until now, it does indicate his age, which could affect his career with the Rams moving forward.
Weddle recently stated that he would prefer not to be a backup this late in his career. He also made it clear that the Rams are moving towards starting Taylor Rapp and John Johnson III at safety, potentilly leaving him out of the picture.
Although he certainly could continue playing, Weddle also said he would consider retirement. Making the statement before his surgery, he made it clear that he would mainly want to retire if his body did not feel 100%. According to the man himself though, it seems the surgery went well and he is doing OK:
Surgery a SUCCESS!!!
— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) January 8, 2020
Weddle’s tweet of success came three hours after his tweet about heading into surgery, highlighting the simplicity of the operation. Hopefully for Weddle, that means he will be up and moving in no time.
As for his future with the Rams, it seems the ease of surgery indicates that he can still be a playmaker on the field. He was second to only Cory Littleton in solo tackles for the Rams this year, finishing with 69. Rapp was right on his heels though as he finished with 61.
