The Los Angeles Rams announced that they have placed defensive lineman Michael Brockers on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
Brockers becomes the second key player on the Rams to be placed on the list this week after the team announced earlier in the week that wide receiver Cooper Kupp was as well. It was later reported that Kupp did indeed test positive for coronavirus, so he is expected to miss the Rams’ Week 17 game against the Arizona Cardinals.
It is unclear if the same can be said for Brockers, or if he was just deemed as a close contact to Kupp or someone else that tested positive. Either way though, considering how late in the week it is, Brockers will likely miss the game as well.
The news is unfortunate for the Rams, who head into a big matchup with the Cardinals that could determine if they will make the playoffs or not. If the Rams win, they get in, but if they lose, then they will have to count on the Green Bay Packers to defeat the Chicago Bears to clinch a playoff spot.
In addition to both Kupp and Brockers, the Rams will also be without some other key players. Jared Goff recently underwent surgery on his thumb, so John Wolford will be making his first career start at quarterback in his place.
The Rams’ leading rusher, Darrell Henderson, is also out after being placed on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain.
Being without not only key players on the field, but also leaders in the locker room, will be a big loss for the Rams in a must-win game. There is no doubt that the backups are capable of performing at a high level though, so hopefully they can do exactly that to keep the Rams’ season alive.
