For the second week in a row, the Los Angeles Rams managed to win an ugly game, but this time it came against an NFC West rival in the Arizona Cardinals.
The Rams pulled out a 20-12 victory, with the defense being the primary reason behind their success. Despite being down several starters in the secondary, Los Angeles got contributions from their young prospects including defensive back Derion Kendrick.
However, Kendrick sustained a head injury during the matchup that landed him in the NFL’s concussion protocol. On Monday, head coach Sean McVay provided an update on Kendrick’s status.
“He’ll be in the (concussion) protocol. He’s a guy that I feel like you got to go through the necessary steps, but the early signs are trending in a positive direction, but you can obviously never be too cautious as it relates to just taking the appropriate steps to get through the protocol.”
It’s good news to hear Kendrick’s making progress as concussions can very easily turn into more serious injuries if not handled properly. The protocols include five steps a player must progress through in order to be cleared to return, and right now it’s unclear which phase the sixth-rounder falls into.
Kendrick showed he can make an impact when given snaps as he held up well against the Cardinals’ passing attack. Despite giving up a few plays, the rookie was able to bounce back and his highlight of the afternoon came on a fourth down stop where he broke up a pass meant for Marquise Brown.
Players have been placed in concussion protocol and been cleared for the next game, meaning Kendrick has an outside shot of returning for their pivotal game against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. With the secondary banged up, the Rams could surely use Kendrick out on the field.
