Overcoming Ahkello Witherspoon's absence will be a test for Rams vs. Eagles
LOS ANGELES — Before the season, Rams coach Sean McVay spoke confidently about his team's talent and depth. That depth will get another early test. Starting cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was placed on injured reserve Monday after suffering a fractured clavicle during Sunday's 33-19 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Witherspoon, 30, will be sidelined "probably 12 weeks," McVay said during a ...
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon reacts after knocking away a pass in the end zone against the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 28, 2024, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Keith Birmingham/The Orange County Register/TNS
LOS ANGELES — Before the season, Rams coach Sean McVay spoke confidently about his team's talent and depth.
That depth will get another early test.
Starting cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was placed on injured reserve Monday after suffering a fractured clavicle during Sunday's 33-19 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
Witherspoon, 30, will be sidelined "probably 12 weeks," McVay said during a videoconference with reporters.
Cobie Durant and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. are expected to be the starters, with veteran Darious Williams in a rotational role, on Sunday when the Rams (2-0) play the defending Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
The Rams also will "bring somebody in," McVay said.
The Eagles' offense is built around star running back Saquon Barkley, who rushed for more than 200 yards and two touchdowns in two games against the Rams last season. But the secondary will be tasked with controlling a passing attack that features quarterback Jalen Hurts, receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, Barkley and several tight ends.
The Rams defeated the Titans despite the absence of starting left guard Steve Avila and rotational tight end Colby Parkinson, who suffered ankle and shoulder injuries, respectively, in the season-opening victory over the Houston Texans.
McVay said Avila is "week to week." Justin Dedich started in place of Avila against the Titans.
Defensive lineman Braden Fiske suffered an oblique strain during pregame warmups against the Titans, McVay said, and he was limited to 13 defensive snaps.
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