Ram’s Key Tight End Ruled Out for Sunday, Sparking Major Roster Dilemma
Despite being listed as “doubtful” on the team’s three injury reports, Jourdan Rodrigue has confirmed that the second-year tight end will be sidelined due to a back injury.
Davis Allen (back) has now been ruled out.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) September 13, 2024
Final injury report for the week. Dotson, Durant, Lake all expected to play pic.twitter.com/AYYLh54ilX
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) September 13, 2024
Rams in a quandary?
The loss of Allen exacerbates the challenges injuries are causing, complicating roster decisions for the Rams. The two practice squad elevations now hold significant importance. Here’s where they might be used:
Tight End:With Allen out, Hunter Long is the only backup to starter Colby Parkinson. Given Long’s own history of injuries, it seems logical to elevate either Nikola Kalinic or Miller Forristall. However, since the Rams primarily use three wide receivers, this might not be the most pressing need.
Wide Receiver: With just five receivers on the active roster and Puka Nacua recently placed on Injured Reserve, there’s a potential shortage at this position. Elevating a receiver could provide needed depth, but it’s a question of whether this is a higher priority compared to other positions.
Offensive Line: Kevin Dotson and Rob Havenstein are dealing with injuries, though specifics are unclear. An unstable offensive line could struggle against various defensive schemes. While veteran Geron Christian is available, he only joined the team mid-week. AJ Arcuri could be an option, but his performance last week was subpar, and the Cardinals lack a top-tier pass rusher like Aidan Hutchinson.
Cornerback: Tre’Davious White, though not listed as injured, missed practice on Friday, which is unusual for a veteran post-Week 1. Cobie Durant’s turf toe has limited his practice time, and the backups, Josh Wallace and Charles Woods, are rookie undrafted free agents. With Quentin Lake’s limited practice, elevating Ahkello Witherspoon might be a strategic move.
The Rams need to carefully consider where to use their two practice squad elevations to address the most critical areas of need.
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