Los Angeles Rams backup tight end Hunter Long was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list at the beginning of training camp with a groin injury. At the time, there was no specific clarity on whether or not he could be activated by the start of the regular season, according to Sean McVay.
But Long has yet to make a return to the field in any capacity, and the Rams are running out of time for him to do so before he is required to miss games. If a player placed on the PUP list is not activated by the end of training camp, then they must be out for at least the first four games of the regular season.
Long is nearing the point where that may be the case for him. However, when asked about it, McVay remained hopeful that Long won’t need to miss that time, even if the chance exists.
“I’m not sure about that. I hope that he can get out here,” McVay said. “I know he has really worked hard to try to be available. It’s been incredibly frustrating for him and he’s doing everything that he can.”
Long was acquired by the Rams as the lone player from the Miami Dolphins in the Jalen Ramsey trade. He did not have a major role during his first two seasons with the Dolphins, playing a total of 16 games after being a third-round pick in 2021.
But the Rams acquired him with the hope that he may be able to make an impact on a young team. Any potential young talent is a positive for a team in the Rams situation. But unfortunately, the third-year tight end has been unable to see the field as a member of the Rams.
If he is unable to return in the next week or so, it’s possible he will wind up missing the first four weeks of the season while on the PUP list.
Brycen Hopkins has been a bright spot
Another backup tight end behind Tyler Higbee is Brycen Hopkins, who has been healthy and making a name for himself among the Rams staff this preseason. McVay specifically called Hopkins a bright spot when asked who has stood out to him.
“I feel great about Brycen Hopkins. I think he’s had an excellent camp,” McVay said. “If you said, ‘What’s one of the bright spots of training camp?’ Brycen Hopkins is one of the guys that comes to mind right away for me. I think he’s done an excellent job.”
