Although the Los Angeles Rams pulled off an impressive win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3, they did not make it out unscathed with outside linebacker Justin Hollins sidelined due to a pectoral injury.
It was an all-around effort from the Rams as they beat the Bucs in all three phases of the game. However, it could be argued that the defense’s ability to stifle the high-powered Bucs offense provided the necessary edge it needed to escape with a win.
Unfortunately, Hollins was a major casualty and it appears he is set to miss some time. Head coach Sean McVay says he will undergo surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle and was officially placed on inured reserve, via Stu Jackson of the team’s official website:
Rams head coach Sean McVay on Monday said outside linebacker Justin Hollins sustained a partially torn pec against the Buccaneers and will need surgery to fix the injury.
The surgery is scheduled to take place Tuesday, according to McVay, and Hollins will also be placed on Injured Reserve with the designated for return tag.
“It’s a big loss for us,” said McVay, who added Hollins is going to be “out for a little bit” and that he would have a better idea of a timetable for Hollins’ return after Hollins undergoes surgery.
There is no question that the loss of Hollins is a key blow to this defense. The former fifth-round pick stepped up as a starter opposite of Leonard Floyd on the edge going into the 2021 NFL season.
Hollins made the most out of his opportunity with 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble through three games. His emergence helped provide some much-needed stability to this linebacker corps with Ogbonnia Okoronkwo also currently on IR.
Even if McVay is optimistic about Okoronkwo making his return in the near future, this still leaves the Rams with limited proven options. This means the onus will now fall on outside linebacker Terrell Lewis to step up and fill the void in their absence.
Lewis registered two tackles and a quarterback hit on a career-high 34 snaps in the 34-24 win against the Bucs. However, his own injury history with knee issues could leave room for concern on the defensive side of the ball.
The Rams face another big test when the Arizona Cardinals and their talented offense pay a visit to SoFi Stadium in Week 4.
