The Los Angeles Rams have already dealt with several injuries to their roster during the early parts of training camp, perhaps a bad omen heading into the 2024 season.
Derion Kendrick was lost for the year after tearing his ACL, while Darius Williams suffered a hamstring injury that could keep him out for most, if not all, of training camp. Meanwhile, Tre’Davious White continues to rehab the torn Achilles he suffered with the Buffalo Bills during the 2023 season.
With so many injuries in the secondary, Cobie Durant has a chance to truly establish himself during training camp. Durant had a rocky sophomore year after a successful rookie campaign but is in line for more opportunities this summer.
Head coach Sean McVay recently highlighted Durant as someone he’s been pleased with so far in cap. “I think he’s been excellent. I thought he had a really good offseason. I think he’s picked up where he left off in the offseason,” McVay said.
“[He] really understands what’s going on. He can see the game slowing down. I think he’s really understanding some of the things that (Assistant Head Coach) Aubrey (Pleasant) is teaching in his room, where his play opportunities arise, and I also thought (CB) Tre’davious White showed up a lot today. You could see he’s getting more and more comfortable. He’s competitive as hell. I really like what both those corners have done.”
McVay praising Durant this early into training camp is a good sign as the young defensive back will be counted on to help lead the Rams secondary this upcoming season. Durant struggled playing in the “Star” position during the 2023 season, but did well once he got moved to the outside where hie pass-breaking ability was and coverage skills were on full display.
New defensive coordinator Chris Shula should stick with Durant as one of his outside corners for the time being as players like Russ Yeast or Quentin Lake can take over at “Star.” If Durant is able to build on the second half of last season and training camp, he could be one of the breakout players on the Rams defense.
Rams won’t rush back Darius Williams from hamstring injury
Darious Williams reunited with Los Angeles in free agency, a noteworthy move for the team as the defensive back had his best years while with the Rams. It was unfortunate to see Williams go down so early in camp, but McVay said the team has no plans to rush him back.
