The Los Angeles Rams are dealing with their fair share of key injuries as they look to get back into the win column in Week 6 against a San Francisco 49ers team hoping to maintain its perfect start to the 2019 NFL season.
The Rams have largely been one of the healthiest teams in football in recent years, however, they were suddenly hit with the injury bug following their heartbreaking loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5. Despite boasting a relatively clean injury report all year, this week featured a number of notable names that were either limited or unable to practice to complete.
Such players had included running back Todd Gurley, cornerback Aqib Talib and wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Rams head coach Sean McVay gave an update on two of them on Friday, saying Gurley is doubtful with a thigh bruise while Talib will miss the game with a rib injury, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
Rams HC Sean McVay said RB Todd Gurley (thigh bruise) is DOUBTFUL and CB Aqib Talib (ribs) is OUT for Sunday’s game against the 49ers.
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) October 11, 2019
Gurley is coming off consecutive weeks where he did not manage to chew up much yardage on the ground but made up for it with a pair of touchdowns in each contest. He did not make it out unscathed versus Seattle after sitting out of practice with the injury though and is now unlikely to play.
McVay indicated that he could look to utilize a committee in the backfield this week with Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson potentially taking on increased roles, and that now looks to be the case.
Talib had missed practice due to the sore ribs and it appears even the extra few days were not enough for him to be ready to play.
Meanwhile, the Rams will likely be welcoming back a few other key pieces in safety Taylor Rapp and linebacker Bryce Hager. Both players were sidelined against the Seahawks and their return should assist in the defense’s efforts to get back on track versus the 49ers. Brandin Cooks has also been dealing with a concussion but all signs indicate he will be ready for the game.
While it is still early in the season, this has become a must-win game for Los Angeles after dropping two straight. Missing two key players against a San Francisco team that is dealing with key injuries of their own is not ideal, but the Rams will have to get by without both Gurley and Talib if they do not suit up.
