Derion Kendrick will need surgery for ACL injury and another Rams corner is injured
Two practices into training camp, the Rams secondary is at the forefront of concern.
Coach Sean McVay said Thursday that cornerback Derion Kendrick, who was expected to play a rotational role, will have surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered Wednesday in the team’s first workout.
McVay addressed Kendrick’s situation moments after helping to attend to cornerback Darious Williams, a starter who suffered what appeared to be a hamstring injury on the final play of practice.
“I’m not sure,” McVay said when asked if Williams was OK.
So a Rams defensive backfield already undergoing significant change might be in for more.
The usual even-keeled Matthew Stafford said he was satisfied with the adjustments to his Rams contract but did not say what they were. ‘I’m happy to be here.’
Kendrick, 23, started 12 games last season and intercepted one pass but his status as a starter ended during the spring when the Rams signed Williams and Tre’Davious White.
Williams was a significant player for the Rams during their run to a Super Bowl LVI victory. He played for the Jacksonville Jaguars for two seasons before re-signing with the Rams.
White played seven seasons for the Buffalo Bills and was voted first-team All-Pro in 2019. He is coming off 2023 Achilles surgery but has been a full participant in workouts.
Kendrick was injured when he twisted awkwardly while tracking a receiver during a full-team drill. McVay lamented the loss of Kendick.
“I’m really proud of the way that he’s worked,” McVay said. “He’s continued to mature in a lot of different ways. If there’s one thing you know about the guy, he can handle setbacks.”
Aaron Donald’s presence was a huge reason why the Rams’ young players did so well last season. Without his presence, will the defense still be able to thrive?
Third-year pro Cobie Durant, second-year pro Tre Tomlinson and rookies Josh Wallace and Charles Woods are other cornerbacks for a defense now under the direction of new coordinator Chris Shula.
McVay did not rule out the possibility of re-signing cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. In 2023, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound Witherspoon played for the Rams on a veteran-minimum contract. He tied for the team lead with three interceptions.
The defensive line, which is adjusting to the retirement of star defensive lineman Aaron Donald, also has been affected by an injury. Second-year pro Kobie Turner has not practiced because of a groin issue.
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
