The Rams, Tremendous Bowl contenders driving a five-game profitable streak, will navigate at the least the following 4 video games of the season with out three veteran starters.
The Rams on Wednesday positioned security Quentin Lake, tight finish Tyler Higbee and proper deal with Rob Havenstein on injured reserve.
Lake, who had surgical procedure Tuesday for a dislocated left elbow, Higbee (ankle) and Havenstein (knee/ankle) should sit out at the least 4 video games earlier than they’re eligible to return. The earliest return can be a Dec. 18 sport in opposition to the Seahawks in Seattle.
“You don’t substitute gamers like that,” McVay mentioned of the expertise and management that will probably be lacking when the Rams play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at SoFi Stadium. “You may’t count on others to have the ability to try this. You count on guys which are getting alternatives to step as much as be the very best variations of themselves.”
Lake, 26, was injured final Sunday in a victory over the Seattle Seahawks, a win that improved the Rams’ file to 8-2. McVay indicated that if Lake returns, it could presumably be for the playoffs.
Josh Wallace performed in Lake’s place as a hybrid nickel nook/linebacker. McVay mentioned the Rams would proceed to judge and formulate a plan to interchange Lake transferring ahead, however they’re anticipated to think about using a mixture that features security Kam Kinchens, Wallace and cornerbacks Cobie Durant and Roger McCreary.
Higbee additionally was injured in opposition to the Seahawks.
The Tenth-year professional has 20 receptions, together with two for touchdowns, because the chief of a decent finish group that features Davis Allen, Colby Parkinson and rookie Terrance Ferguson, who is anticipated to get an elevated position in Higbee’s absence.
Havenstein, an eleventh yr professional, performed the primary 4 video games earlier than he was sidelined for 3 video games due to accidents. Third-year professional Warren McClendon performed in his place.
Havenstein returned in opposition to the New Orleans Saints and has performed the final three video games, however McVay mentioned time on injured reserve would allow him to work again to full power.
“Each of these guys are clearly big-time leaders and catalysts on our staff and our offense,” quarterback Matthew Stafford mentioned of Higbee and Havenstein. “However we’ll simply transfer ahead with the fellows that we’ve got, after which hopefully these guys can heal up and be able to go sooner or later.”
In corresponding strikes, the Rams signed kicker Harrison Mevis to the lively roster, claimed security Chris Smith II off waivers from the Las Vegas Raiders and signed cornerback Alex Johnson to the apply squad.
