The Los Angeles Rams bolstered their defensive line when they selected Josaiah Stewart out of Michigan with the No. 90 overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Rams are expecting big things from Stewart in his rookie season and he should get plenty of opportunities as an edge rusher behind Jared Verse and Byron Young.
Stewart had a sack in his preseason debut against the Dallas Cowboys but sat out the next two games. Unfortunately for the 22-year-old, he sustained a head injury last week that put him in concussion protocol.
Rams head coach Sean McVay said Stewart is doing well though and he was able to return to practice on Thursday, per Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
Aside from Jackson, “everybody was out there” for the team’s intra-squad scrimmage this morning, per McVay, “so that was a real positive.” That included rookie outside linebacker Josaiah Stewart (concussion protocol).
McVay’s comments suggest that Stewart will be ready to play in the Rams’ regular season opener against the Houston Texans next Sunday.
Stewart previously said he is open to any role with the Rams this season and should be able to make a big impact from the get-go.
In other positive injury news, left tackle Alaric Jackson will be a full go in practice next Monday after recovering from blood clots.
Matthew Stafford, who was previously sidelined with an aggravated disc in his back, also remains on track to play in Week 1 after returning to practice last week.
Terrance Ferguson felt great in Rams debut
Another member of the Rams’ 2025 draft class Terrance Ferguson made his team debut in the preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns after missing some time with a groin injury. He only played a handful of snaps but said he came out of it feeling healthy and ready to go for the regular season.
“I felt great out there,” Ferguson said postgame. “Everyone’s done a great job of just making sure that I’m healthy and where I need to be.”
