Los Angeles Rams safety Terrell Burgess showed plenty of signs of promise during a shortened rookie season.
The Rams selected Burgess in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft and flashed his potential as a bona fide steal. After all, he made his bones as a contributor on special teams before taking on an increased role within the secondary rotation.
Unfortunately, a stellar start for the rookie came to a halt after he suffered a season-ending ankle injury. Now that he is fully recovered, he has wasted no time in making his presence felt leading up to the start of the preseason.
Burgess admits that while he is still trying to find his footing, he is glad to be back out on the field competing, via Stu Jackson of the team’s official website:
“It’s still a work in progress, but I’m excited to be back out here,” Burgess said Tuesday. “Obviously it was a long offseason, but it feels good, feels way better.”
Burgess added that there is a bit of a chip on his shoulder as he looks to bounce back from the injury:
“I think it’s motivating because, as much as it sucks to get hurt, I think I went out the best way I could in that case, and I’m excited to be able to get back out there and go with the team,” Burgess said.
Burgess’ health is certainly a welcome sign for the Rams’ secondary given the recent string of injuries. Cornerback Darious Williams, safety Nick Scott and cornerback Robert Rochelle are each on the mend leading up to the preseason.
It is safe to assume that Burgess will retain his integral on special teams as he looks to get his rhythm back. Of course, it will only be a matter of time before new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris looks for ways to utilize his versatile skill set.
There has been plenty of talk regarding how the Rams will use star cornerback Jalen Ramsey in certain packages that call for him to line up elsewhere. Burgess will be one of the players tasked with helping make it come to fruition given his ability to also line up at cornerback or the nickel spot.
First, Burgess will need to show that he is capable of taking on such an integral role in the defense. Based on the promise he showed last season, there is good reason to be optimistic.
