Rams look to ‘show off’ in McVay’s debut

Joe Curley

http://www.vcstar.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2017/09/09/rams-look-show-off-mcvays-debut/650064001/

The curtain comes up on the Sean McVay era Sunday afternoon at the Coliseum.

And the only guarantee is, from the coaching staff to the roster, from the systems to the white horns on the helmet, things will look a lot different than the Los Angeles Rams team that returned from St. Louis a year ago.

The Rams can’t wait to finally “show off” what they’ve been working on “the last six to nine months,” quarterback Jared Goff said.

Nearly nine months since Jeff Fisher was fired with three games remaining in the 2016 season, the Rams will take the field against Indianapolis a very different team.

More than a third of the roster has turned over. The defense has a new system under a legendary defensive coordinator.

The change is especially significant on offense, which will have at least six new starters from last year’s opener in San Francisco.

“I’m very, very excited,” running back Todd Gurley said. “I’m pretty sure everybody’s anxious to see how we’re going to do just like we are. So, we just can’t wait to play Sunday.”

Gurley, who famously labeled last year’s attack “a middle school offense,” is just one of several starters who have expressed confidence in McVay’s new system this month.

“It felt like things have been clicking,” Gurley said. “We’ve just got that confidence about us. … We feel a lot more comfortable with the offensive schemes that we’ve been running the last four, five months. We just can’t wait to get out there.”

The addition of potential game-breaking receiver Sammy Watkins will also help the team fix what has been the NFL’s worst offense in recent seasons. If McVay can get the former Buffalo wideout up to speed.

Receiver Robert Woods, who spent last season in Buffalo with Watkins, said last month that he had hardly seen his former teammate since the trade because he was spending all his time learning the offense with the coaching staff.

“He’s extremely intelligent,” said McVay, who added his terminology is similar to former Buffalo offensive coordinator Rick Dennison’s system. “So it’s been a pretty seamless transition.”

Since Watkins only caught two passes for 8 yards in the preseason, you’d have to take his word for it until Sunday.

Considering how closely to the vest McVay has played the preseason, there aren’t many people who really know what the Rams are going to look like against Indianapolis.

Least of all Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, who described the “challenges” associated with game planning for a season opener against an entirely new coaching staff.

“You go back and you do your homework and you track guys and see where they’ve been and see who they’ve been with,” Pagano said. “So we’ve tried to do our due diligence.”

That could include scouting Washington and Atlanta, where McVay and offensive coordinator Matt Lafleur previously schemed offenses; Buffalo, where offensive line coach Aaron Kromer worked the last two seasons; the Rams, who have retained special teams coordinator John Fassell; and Denver, where defensive coordinator Wade Phillips last designed a defense.

“We understand and we’ve seen his system and his scheme,” Pagano said of Phillips. “What we don’t know is how he’s going to use some of those pieces.”

The Rams didn’t do the Colts many favors in the preseason, eschewing the typical “dress rehearsal” third game in late August for rest. As a result, the starting defense will open the regular season without having taken the field as a unit.

“We’ve got to kind of anticipate how they’re going to use some of those pieces in that system,” Pagano said. “We kind of have an idea, but there will obviously be some game time adjustments that we’re going to have to be really good as a coaching staff to identify how they’re going to attack us in all three phases.”

McVay was asked if that means the Rams will have an advantage entering Sunday.

“There will be some things that we did in the preseason that you’ll probably see on Sunday,” McVay said. “But you always want to be careful of showing too much, but at the same time you want to put a premium on going out and executing.”

Stars Connor Barwin, Michael Brockers, Alec Ogletree and Trumaine Johnson all played less than 25 snaps.

As a result, the Rams have a rare clean injury report entering Sunday and the opposition is playing guessing games. While the Colts will be without star quarterback Andrew Luck.

“I think the ultimate goal in mind was being able to have guys ready to go for September 10 and that’s where we’re at right now,” McVay said.

Rams will have multi-threat Tavon Austin at their disposal against the Colts

Gary Klein

http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-report-20170908-story.html

Some optimism was well-founded, some apparently not.

For more than a month, Rams coach Sean McVay had expressed confidence that receiver Tavon Austin and defensive lineman Aaron Donald would be available to play in Sunday’s opener against the Indianapolis Colts at the Coliseum.

Austin recovered from a hamstring injury and will play, McVay said Friday.

Donald, however, remains absent because of a contract dispute.

Throughout the week, McVay declined to rule out the three-time Pro Bowl player for the opener. He finally ended the gamesmanship on Friday.

“We’re still trying to find a way to come to a solution,” McVay said, “but it’s safe to say that he won’t be a part of this game.”

Austin could play several roles for a team that conducted an offseason overhaul of the receiving corps.

It began during free agency with the departures of Kenny Britt and Brian Quick, and the signing of Robert Woods. It continued through the draft with the selection of Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds. A training camp trade for deep threat Sammy Watkins provided an exclamation point.

Austin, who signed a four-year, $42-million extension before the 2016 season, was sidelined throughout offseason workouts while recovering from wrist surgery. He sat out nearly all of training camp because of a hamstring injury.

Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson didn’t get a long-term contract, but he’s a team captain
He returned to practice in a limited role before the final preseason game at Green Bay, and then participated in a full-speed pregame workout with other skill-position players at Lambeau Field.

He was a full participant in practice this week.

“We’re excited to have him back,” McVay said.

McVay would not specify how the 5-foot-8, 179-pound Austin will be deployed, but he could line up wide or in the slot as a receiver, or in the backfield as a running back or receiver. He also is expected to return punts.

“When the coaches call my number, I’ll just be ready,” said Austin, who has scored 12 touchdowns on passes, eight on runs and three on punt returns.

When McVay and his new staff arrived in January, the receiver group was “a little bit of a question mark,” offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur said.

But that group is now regarded as multidimensional, and Austin’s return adds to the mix.

“When you get the guy that, again, is explosive as Tavon, that has that home-run capability, it definitely gives you a lot of just some favorable matchups out there,” LaFleur said.

Now it gets real

Seven of the eight players the Rams selected in this year’s draft could play against the Colts.

Kupp, tight end Gerald Everett and defensive lineman Tanzel Smart are expected to either start or play a significant number of snaps.

Reynolds, safety John Johnson and linebackers Samson Ebukam and Ejuan Price also might contribute on offense, defense or special teams.

Fullback Sam Rogers is on the practice squad and will not play.

Everett, a second-round pick, is looking forward to his first regular-season NFL game.

“First and foremost, just playing on Sunday — I’m pretty sure it’s going to be pretty surreal,” he said.

Johnson, a fourth-round draft pick, will play on special teams. He said he would be prepared for more if his name or number is called.

“I’m right next to the coach — I’m in his pocket like, ‘Whenever you need me, I’m ready,’ ” Johnson said, laughing. “He’ll probably speak like just the first letter and I’m already running out there.

“So I’m ready.”

Etc.

The Rams listed no players on the injury report. McVay credited the athletic training staff, the strength and conditioning staff and players for managing injuries in the run-up to the opener. “The ultimate goal in mind was being able to have guys ready to go for Sept. 10, and that’s where we’re at right now,” McVay said. … Sunday’s game at the Coliseum follows the USC-Stanford game on Saturday. This will be one of three times the Rams play the day after a Trojans home game.

Rams remain without Aaron Donald and will have other defensive starters on ‘pitch count’ against Colts

By RICH HAMMOND

link: http://www.dailynews.com/2017/09/07/rams-remain-without-aaron-donald-and-will-have-other-defensive-starters-on-pitch-count-against-colts/

THOUSAND OAKS — Wade Phillips joined the NFL in 1976, so it’s tough to put something new past the Rams’ defensive coordinator, but this year’s season opener even seems to have Phillips scratching his head a bit.

“I don’t know about concerned,” Phillips said after Thursday’s practice at Cal Lutheran. “You’re just waiting to see how we do. I think there’s going to be good things. We’ve been practicing really well this week.”

Phillips can’t be certain, though. His best player, Aaron Donald, remains in a contract holdout, and while the Rams haven’t officially ruled out Donald for Sunday’s game against Indianapolis, the idea that Donald could play Sunday, even if he reported to team headquarters Friday, seems improbable.

At least the Rams can plan for that absence. Phillips indicated that he isn’t certain how much the Rams will get out of linebackers Robert Quinn and Mark Barron, both of whom (along with starting cornerback Kayvon Webster) missed the four-game preseason schedule because of injury concerns.

The Rams don’t have any players listed on their injury report, a fact Coach Sean McVay happily reiterated for a second consecutive day, but Phillips indicated that Quinn and Barron might be limited against the Colts. That could mean more work for players such as Matt Longacre and Cory Littleton.

“We’ll have to be aware, and monitor how many snaps they have,” Phillips said of Quinn and Barron. “They’ll be on a snap count or pitch count or whatever.”

Phillips also said the Rams wouldn’t change their defensive game plan depending on Donald’s availability, but said he might ask different things from a player with a different body type or skill set.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence, then, that the player primarily expected to fill Donald’s spot, rookie Tanzel Smart, has similarities. Donald is listed at 6-foot-1, 280 pounds, compared to Smart’s 6-1, 290 pounds. Phillips didn’t seem riled about the prospect of coaching a game without his star player.

“We know what the situation is and I know what the situation is,” Phillips said. “It’s disappointing that he’s not here, for whatever the reasons are, but I’ve been through it before. You have to play with the guys you have. We believe we can play well, and that’s what we’re going to try to do.”

Rams’ first-team offense shines in comeback win over Raiders

By Alden Gonzalez

http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/34891/rams-first-team-offense-shines-in-comeback-win-over-raiders

Trailing by 4 points with a little more than six minutes left in the game, backup quarterback Sean Mannion methodically marched the Los Angeles Rams up the field and connected with rookie Josh Reynolds for the decisive touchdown in a 24-21 preseason win on the road over the Oakland Raiders on Saturday night.

Mannion connected with Mike Thomas on a quick slant to keep the drive alive while facing fourth and 9 from the Raiders’ 37-yard line. On the next play, he sailed a 20-yard pass up the sideline to Reynolds, the long, athletic fourth-round pick, who beat out fellow rookie Chris Humes for the football with just over a minute remaining. The Rams’ offense looked good late, but was even more impressive early on.

Here are some notes on what stood out.

QB depth chart: Jared Goff put together what was quite possibly the most encouraging performance of his short NFL career. He finished 16-of-20 for 160 yards and a touchdown, with several impressive throws throughout the night. Goff led the Rams to two touchdowns and a field goal before exiting. His only real mistake was waiting too long to deliver a deep ball to an open Robert Woods, instead absorbing a sack from Khalil Mack. Besides that, Goff was exceedingly accurate and decisive. Mannion had another good day in relief of Goff, going 15-of-22 for 132 yards and a touchdown. That follows last week’s strong performance against the Cowboys, when Mannion was 18-of-25 for 144 yards.

When it was starters vs. starters, the Rams looked …: Like a well-oiled machine on offense. When’s the last time you read that? They went 6-for-8 on third down, picked up 12 first downs and consistently marched the ball up the field. Cooper Kupp made six catches (on seven targets) for 70 yards and a touchdown, and was wide open for a 23-yard catch on play-action to start the game. Todd Gurley, meanwhile, ran violently, with eight carries for 38 yards and a touchdown, on a 2-yard run up the middle. The Rams’ defense — which was without key players like Robert Quinn, Mark Barron, Kayvon Webster and Nickell Robey-Coleman — was shaky, allowing a couple of touchdowns to Oakland’s Derek Carr-led offense.

One reason to be concerned: Splitting hairs here. The Rams’ secondary got off to a rough start, though Webster, Robey-Coleman and Mike Jordan were all held out. On the Raiders’ first touchdown drive, Lamarcus Joyner committed two personal fouls in a span of four plays. On the Raiders’ second touchdown drive, Amari Cooper made a leaping catch despite triple coverage, and Michael Crabtree juked Troy Hill for a touchdown. The Rams did, however, get an interception from their primary corner, Trumaine Johnson, who had only one interception in 14 regular-season games last year.

That guy could start: Justin Davis won’t unseat Gurley as the featured running back, but the undrafted rookie is making a legitimate case to crack the roster, which is impressive in itself. Davis fumbled twice in the preseason opener, but he also gained 70 yards on nine carries. Davis picked up only 8 yards on five carries against the Raiders, but he gained another 20 on three catches and once again looked shifty with the ball in his hands. A knee injury has kept Lance Dunbar from practicing. And though Malcolm Brown has been used as Gurley’s backup, Davis may be forcing his way into the conversation.

Rookie watch: Kupp had another great showing. His best catch came on a quick slant, on which he was well-covered for a throw that sailed low and away. It was his third third-down reception, perhaps a sign of things to come. Tight end Gerald Everett made four catches for 30 yards, with one of those resulting in a 24-yard gain thanks to a nice cutback in space. Defensive lineman Tanzel Smart, who has impressed this summer, did a nice job of bringing down E.J. Manuel after he tried to escape the pocket. And Casey Sayles clinched the win with a sack.

Watkins watch: New receiver Sammy Watkins made his Rams debut, wearing No. 2, his number from Clemson, which he will have to change for the regular season. Watkins caught a 5-yard pass to convert on third down and also gained 3 yards on a screen. Watkins then ran a fly route in hopes of connecting with Goff downfield, but a well-placed throw near the end zone was broken up.

Injury report: Thomas absorbed a helmet-to-helmet hit by Anthony Cioffi while hauling in Mannion’s fourth-down throw near the middle of the field with about two minutes remaining. Thomas was checked on by Rams trainers and walked off on his own power. Backup outside linebacker Carlos Thompson had to be carted off the field after sustaining what appeared to be a significant injury to the lower part of his left leg. Raiders rookie offensive lineman Kareem Are launched himself toward the pile near the midway point of the fourth quarter, but instead caught Thompson’s knee.

Highlights From Thursday’s Rams Practice

Rich Hammond

link: http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/17/highlights-from-thursdays-rams-practice-2-2/

A brief look at the Rams’ training-camp practice on Thursday:

BIG MOMENT

It’s been a nice week for the Rams’ receivers. First, Sammy Watkins showed up and made some nice catches, and rookie Josh Reynolds flashed some moves. On the last official day of training camp, one of the veterans stood out, as Robert Woods made a couple nice catches in traffic, including one long ball for a touchdown.

INJURY REPORT

Coach Sean McVay didn’t offer an official list in advance of Saturday’s preseason game at Oakland, but it seems likely that the players who were held out for most of practice this week won’t play.

That would include cornerbacks Kayvon Webster, Nickell Robey-Coleman and Mike Jordan, which would leave the Rams rather shorthanded beyond starter Trumaine Johnson.

Receiver Tavon Austin, running back Lance Dunbar, offensive lineman Andrew Donnal and linebackers Samson Ebukam and Nic Grigsby also remain out.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“We’ve gotten a lot of things accomplished. We’re not where we want to be, but we’re going in the right direction. That’s what you feel good about.”

— McVay, on reaching the end of training camp.

DEPTH CHART

The arrival of Watkins, and good practice efforts from Reynolds, clearly have turned up the heat on receivers such as Nelson Spruce and Paul McRoberts, who presumably were on the 53-man roster bubble even before Watkins’ arrival in a trade last week.

Spruce made the roster out of training camp last year but missed the season with injuries, while McRoberts spent most of 2016 on the Rams’ practice squad.

“With the uncertainty and the unpredictability with the injuries and different things that can occur,” McVay said, “I think you get yourself caught up in worrying about things that you can’t control and that’s when it affects your ability to be your best. Those guys aren’t players that do that and I think that’s why you appreciate what they bring to this team right now.”

HEADING NORTH

The Rams are done at UC Irvine. They will have a walk-through practice Friday at Cal Lutheran in Thousand Oaks, then resume practice there Tuesday, after Saturday’s preseason game at Oakland.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the way the guys competed, went about the meetings, and when we practiced every single day,” McVay said. “It’s been a great group to be around, both coaches and our players.”

Highlights from Wednesday’s Rams practice

By RICH HAMMOND

link: http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/16/highlights-from-wednesdays-rams-practice-3-2/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

A brief look at the Rams’ training-camp practice on Wednesday:

BIG MOMENT

The most entertaining aspect of training-camp practice has been a red-zone drill in which receivers and cornerbacks go one on one. On Wednesday, rookie receiver Cooper Kupp pulled a double move on Trumaine Johnson and caught a touchdown pass from Jared Goff. The move was so nice that Johnson slapped hands with Kupp afterward.

INJURY REPORT

The Rams got even thinner at cornerback, as Mike Jordan joined Kayvon Webster and Nickell Robey-Coleman on the sideline. Coach Sean McVay indicated that none of the injuries was particularly serious and that Webster, for one, would be able to play a game if necessary.

Still, the Rams plan to bring in veteran free-agent cornerback Leodis McKelvin for a tryout Thursday.

Receiver Tavon Austin, running back Lance Dunbar, offensive lineman Andrew Donnal and linebackers Samson Ebukam and Nic Grigsby also remain out.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“It will be nice. It will be my first time back there since college, playing at least. I’ve got some family and friends coming, and it will be good.”

— Goff, a Northern California native, on playing for Saturday’s preseason game in Oakland.

DEPTH CHART

As regularly happens in camp, a few veterans took a non-injury rest day, including offensive linemen Andrew Whitworth, Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan.

That gave the second-team linemen, who have sometimes struggled in camp, a chance to get higher-profile reps. Darrell Williams, a former undrafted free agent who spent most of last season on injured reserve, saw more time at left tackle.

DON’T DROP IT

The Rams did ball-protection drills for a third consecutive day in practice, after their running backs and receivers fumbled six times Saturday against Dallas. Rams defenders also aggressively attempted to strip the ball during drills that otherwise were non-contact.

“It starts with me,” McVay said. “We’ve got to do a better job of emphasizing it. You try to mimic and emulate those game-like situations as much as possible in practice, but the Cowboys, to their credit, they do a great job of emphasizing taking the ball away. We’ve got to be mindful of protecting it, especially in those congested areas. I’m looking forward to seeing how we improve on Saturday.”

Highlights from Tuesday’s Rams practice

By RICH HAMMOND

link: http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/15/highlights-from-tuesdays-rams-practice-2-2/

PUBLISHED: August 15, 2017 at 7:12 pm | UPDATED: August 15, 2017 at 7:40 pm
A brief look at the Rams’ training-camp practice on Tuesday:

BIG MOMENT

The Rams’ quarterbacks had another tough day, as Jared Goff and Sean Mannion each threw two interceptions, but Goff bounced back from one of his with a gorgeous 40-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Josh Reynolds during a 7-on-7 drill. Goff dropped the ball perfectly over Reynolds shoulder as he crossed the goal line.

INJURY REPORT

Receiver Nelson Spruce, who presumably is competing for one of the final roster spots at his position, did not practice Tuesday for unknown reasons. Cornerbacks Kayvon Webster and Nickell Robey-Coleman also did not practice for a second consecutive day.

Linebacker Robert Quinn participated in some special-teams drills but not in full-team defensive drills.

Receiver Tavon Austin, running back Lance Dunbar, offensive lineman Andrew Donnal and linebacker Samson Ebukam also remain out.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“That’s one of the things we’ve been really pleased about. Our leaders have set the standard, in terms of being accountable.” – Coach Sean McVay, on a lack of team discipline issues during training camp.

DEPTH CHART

The Rams continue to show their depth at defensive back. The cornerbacks put in some good work during Monday’s practice, and on Tuesday it was the safeties’ turn.

Cody Davis, the Rams’ primary backup to Lamarcus Joyner at free safety, intercepted Goff, as did John Johnson, drafted by the Rams in the third round in April.

WATKINS UPDATE

Receiver Sammy Watkins, acquired in a trade with Buffalo last Friday, jumped into full-team drills for the first time Tuesday and was targeted on a couple pass plays.

McVay said the plan is for Watkins to increase his participation in practice throughout this week and perhaps get a “handful” of plays in Saturday’s preseason game at Oakland.

Highlights from Monday’s Rams practice

RICH HAMMOND

link: http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/14/highlights-from-mondays-rams-practice-3/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

A brief look at the Rams’ training-camp practice on Monday:

BIG MOMENT

Which interception to choose? Quarterback Jared Goff threw three, but the most impressive play might have been made by cornerback Trumaine Johnson, during a red-zone drill. Goff’s throw was a bit telegraphed, but Johnson made a perfect move to jump in front of receiver Robert Woods for the interception.

INJURY REPORT

Linebacker Robert Quinn continues to be held out of most full-team drills because of an undisclosed issue, and Quinn said the maintenance program will continue for a while.

“They’re just taking it slow,” Quinn said, “and trying to make sure I’m ready, God willing, when the season comes around.”

Linebacker Mark Barron and defensive back Lamarcus Joyner returned to practice, but players such as cornerbacks Kayvon Webster and Nickell Robey-Coleman were held out.

Receiver Tavon Austin, running back Lance Dunbar, offensive lineman Andrew Donnal, linebacker Samson Ebukam and receiver Josh Reynolds also remain out.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Credit the defense for getting their hands on some balls and they make it tough on the offense.” — Coach Sean McVay, on Goff’s three interceptions.

DEPTH CHART

The Rams practiced for the first time without E.J. Gaines, who had been their primary backup at cornerback before he was sent to Buffalo in the trade that brought in receiver Sammy Watkins.

The Rams held Webster and Robey-Coleman out of practice, but the cornerbacks got some good work. Johnson got the goal-line interception, and reserve cornerbacks Troy Hill and Kevin Peterson also picked off Goff.

HOLD ON

Two days after the Rams had six fumbles in their preseason opener against Dallas, the team did some early-practice ball-security drills involving running backs and receivers.

Players attempted to catch and run with balls while coaches hit them with foam pads and distracted them. In one sequence, McVay snuck up behind rookie receiver Brandon Shippen and stripped the ball.

Highlights from Thursday’s Rams practice

RICH HAMMOND

link: http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/10/highlights-from-thursdays-rams-practice/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

BIG MOMENT

Rookie receiver Cooper Kupp looked to be headed toward another highlight practice catch. Kupp extended near the sideline to get his hands on a pass from quarterback Jared Goff, but just as Kupp was about to pull the ball in, cornerback E.J. Gaines knocked it away and drew loud praise from Coach Sean McVay.

INJURY REPORT

Linebacker Robert Quinn has been in and out of drills throughout training camp, and Quinn sat out Thursday, even though the Rams did not practice in full pads. Lamarcus Joyner, who also has been in and out with a mild back injury, participated in team drills.

McVay said he did not have an update on receiver Tavon Austin, who remains out with a hamstring injury.

Running back Lance Dunbar, offensive lineman Andrew Donnal tight end Johnny Mundt, linebacker Samson Ebukam and receiver Josh Reynolds also remain out.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“That was a funny play. I did have to watch that. I saw that on social media more than anything.”
— Gaines, on the practice fights with the Chargers on Wednesday, and whether the Rams watched cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman get body-slammed by the Chargers’ Keenan Allen.

DEPTH CHART

First-string cornerback Kayvon Webster missed practice for unknown reasons, so Gaines took most of his reps. Matt Longacre continued to take Quinn’s first-team reps at linebacker.

ON THE MOVE

The highlight of practice might have been 31-year-old McVay chasing his offensive players around the field as they lateraled the ball during a drill that simulated the final play of a game.

“We were just putting in some end-of-game situations, keeping the ball alive and I was trying to steal a workout, I guess,” McVay said with a gin. “I thought my hamstrings were going to cramp up a little bit.”

Highlights from Monday’s Rams practice

RICH HAMMOND

link: http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/07/highlights-from-mondays-rams-practice-2-2/

A brief look at the Rams’ training-camp practice on Monday:

BIG MOMENT

After more than a week of training camp, quarterback Jared Goff had his “wow” moment. During 11-on-11 drills, Goff spotted rookie receiver Cooper Kupp heading to the back corner of the end zone and perfectly dropped a ball over cornerback Trumaine Johnson and into Kupp’s hands for a 25-yard touchdown.

INJURY REPORT

Receiver Mike Thomas returned but did not participate in full-team drills, but receiver Tavon Austin (hamstring) remained out.

On the defensive side, linebacker Robert Quinn and defensive lineman Michael Brockers returned to most drills, but safety Lamarcus Joyner remained out.

Running back Lance Dunbar, offensive lineman Andrew Donnal tight end Johnny Mundt, linebacker Samson Ebukam and receiver Josh Reynolds also remain out.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“The team is looking good. The offense is looking good. Jared is looking good. I’m just looking forward to making plays when my name is called.”
— Thomas, who is suspended for the first four games of the regular season.

DEPTH CHART

The Rams released an unofficial depth chart in advance of their preseason opener against Dallas on Saturday, and it contained no major surprises.

Louis Trinca-Pasat is listed as a defensive line starter, because of Aaron Donald’s contract holdout and Dominique Easley’s knee injury, and Kayvon Webster is listed as the starting cornerback opposite Johnson. Kupp appears to have held onto a starting job at receiver.

GETTING STARTED

McVay reiterated what he said over the weekend, that the Rams’ starters likely would play one or two series against the Cowboys on Saturday.

“We’ll sit down and talk, the coordinators and coaching staff,” McVay said, “but any time you have that first preseason game, with the exception of a few guys, usually the guys you’re counting on to start will play anywhere from six to 10 plays.”

Alden Gonzalez

http://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/lar/los-angeles-rams

Rams injury report: WR Tavon Austin (hamstring) continued to be held out of practice, with Sean McVay calling it “a day-to-day thing,” especially since Austin’s game is so predicated on speed. WR Josh Reynolds also missed practice with a quad injury, but he should be back in the next few days. OLB Robert Quinn returned to practice after being excused on Wednesday.

Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips on going against Sean McVay’s offense each day (they don’t follow a script): “He gives you a lot of problems defensively.”

Best play from Rams training camp: Jared Goff floated a perfect pass up the sidelines to Robert Woods for what would’ve been a touchdown, but Nickell Robey-Coleman, who has impressed thus far, swooped in and somehow knocked it away.

Rams rookie report: Rookie TE Travis Wilson, 6-foot-7, continues to evolve as a reliable target for Sean Mannion and the second-team offense. He’s fighting for what appears to be one of the last spots on the roster, but could perhaps compete against Temarrick Hemingway for the No. 3 spot at tight end.

Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett are both athletic tight ends who can stretch the deep middle of the field and are both poised to involve themselves heavily in the passing game.

How can Chargers, other NFL teams reduce ‘alarming’ rate of ACL injuries?

JACK WANG |

link: http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/03/chargers-search-for-clues-to-alarming-number-of-acl-injuries/

Inside the knee is a diagonal band of fibrous tissue, roughly the size of pinky finger. When it snaps, the course of an NFL season changes.

On football injury reports, few words are as dreaded as “anterior cruciate ligament.” ACL tears once ended careers. Even today, they often signal lost seasons.

Chargers offensive guard Forrest Lamp is one of the latest victims. On Wednesday, the second-round pick tore his right ACL, ending what would have been his rookie season four days into training camp.

He is hardly alone. Just this week, a number of players have gone down with similar injuries, sparking winces and groans across the league. On Tuesday, it was Rams defensive lineman Dominique Easley, suffering the third torn ACL of his athletic career. On Thursday, it was Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill and his injured left knee — one followed by a forebodingly inconclusive MRI.

But the Chargers have been uniquely unlucky in this regard. Since the start of the 2016 season, they have lost six players to torn ACLs. In addition to Lamp, the list includes: receiver Keenan Allen, running back Danny Woodhead, cornerback Jason Verrett, linebacker Nick Dzubnar, and defensive lineman Caraun Reid.

“It’s certainly a big cluster,” said Dr. Bert Mandelbaum, a Santa Monica-based orthopedic surgeon and ACL injury prevention researcher at the Kerlan-Jobe Institute. “There’s no question about it being a big cluster when you have that many ACL injuries on any one professional team. It’s alarming.”

An important caveat: Although Mandelbaum has worked closely with high-level athletes, including the Galaxy and the U.S. Men’s National soccer team, he has not directly examined any of the injured Chargers. Barring closer analysis on his part, he could not say whether or not the Chargers’ rate of ACL tears indicated simple bad luck or an underlying systemic problem.

But Mandelbaum also has spent nearly two decades studying how to prevent and reduce ACL injuries, a quest that began when he and other doctors saw a spike in knee injuries among female teenage athletes in Southern California. They realized that when the athletes were jumping, landing or decelerating, deficiencies in their hip caused the upper legs to turn in, excessive strain on the ACL.

In response, he developed the PEP program, which consists of warm-up and strengthening exercises, plyometrics and stretches in order to promote better posture and control.

This approach, Mandelbaum believes, could also benefit professional football players. Over the past three seasons, he worked with team doctors, including the 49ers’ Timothy McAdams and the Giants’ Scott Rodeo, to examine film of ACL injuries. In doing so, they found 68 instances of non-contact ACL injuries.

The study did not focus on ACL injuries that occurred as the result of a hit.

In March, the NFL Physicians Society awarded McAdams the Arthur C. Rettig Award for Academic Excellence for presenting the study, titled “Video Analysis of ACL Injuries in the National Football League.”

But why would professional athletes, who have access to some of the best training and rehabilitation resources, lack sufficient control in their lower body?

Mandelbaum said he thinks it’s a matter of emphasis. NFL players often work out on their own during the offseason, and may enter training camp in different physical shape. Once they report for training camp, teams are focused on moving into preseason preparation and fully-padded practices, leaving little time to correct deficiencies on an individual basis.

“They’re extremely fast, extremely powerful, and extremely strong,” Mandelbaum said. “But the problem is, the steering isn’t so good. We call that steering neuromuscular control.”

Mandelbaum said that he has helped some high school and college teams reduce the frequency of non-contact ACL injuries by upwards of 70 percent.

He believes his PEP program can translate to the pros, but it is unclear how widely these principles have already been adopted across the NFL.

“I never had the interaction with a team that said, ‘OK, come on guys, let’s go do this program,’” he said. “That said, I know for a fact that there are a number of teams who have sports medicine programs who are on top of these things and are getting their athletes and their teams to do portions of this program.

“So it’s not to say that no one does it. I think that as a league, the league doesn’t work like that. Every team for themselves.”

Alden Gonzalez…Notes (8/2):

http://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/lar/los-angeles-rams

Best play from Rams camp: Sure-handed rookie Cooper Kupp ran a deep “in” route, went up to grab the football, and Trumaine Johnson basically just ripped it out of his hands. This is an important year for Johnson, who is playing under the franchise tag again and realizes he’ll probably be elsewhere next year. He wants to prove he’s worthy of being paid like the top cornerbacks.

Overheard from Rams camp: Sean McVay attended Super Bowl XXXIV, when Kurt Warner’s Rams narrowly defeated Jeff Fisher’s Titans. He lived in Atlanta at the time, and his grandfather, the former 49ers exec, got McVay tickets for his 14th birthday. 17 years later, he replaced Fisher as the Rams’ head coach. “I think you appreciate just what a small world this business is,”McVay said.

Rams injury report: WR Tavon Austin and OLB Samson Ebukam both missed practice because of hamstring injuries that aren’t considered serious. OLB Robert Quinn had an excused absence. DE Dominique Easley (knee) and RB Lance Dunbar (knee) also didn’t practice.

With Dominique Easley out for the year, and Aaron Donald holding out, it’ll be Ethan Westbrooks, Louis Trinca-Pasat and rookie Tanzel Smart who will get a longer look with the first team. “It’s tough,” Michael Brockers, the only starting Rams defensive lineman at practice, said of losing Easley. “We work so hard; we push each other every day. You’re missing a guy like that who drives you, drives that competitiveness in you and brings it out of you, and you hate to lose that.”

OLB Robert Quinn is excused from practice today. It was scheduled before training camp. Rams will be in pads again, with three members of their starting front seven — Quinn, Dominique Easley and Aaron Donald — not on the field.

Rams Head Coach Sean McVay – April 25, 2017

(On if this was first time on the field with the team)
“It is. This morning with the walk-thru and then getting a chance to practice today, it was great. You’re quickly reminded why you love coaching so much. Getting around these players on the grass and their effort and energy was outstanding. We’ll see if we can come back tomorrow with the same type of juice.”

(On the difference between being a head coach and a coordinator during practice)
“Kind of still feeling your way a little bit. I started out with the defensive backs, just to get around them in the beginning in their individual drills. And then during some of those team periods, the nice thing is you can use that walkie and send in the plays offensively, but you can kind of be on the back end, be around the defensive players. I was telling our secondary coaches on the back end, I said, ‘I got to get used to being happy for the defense on a good play, too.’ But it was great. I think it’s one of those situations you just get more comfortable with whatever that rhythm is. I thought the guys were great today though, it was fun to be out there with them.”

(On his goal for this camp)
“I really think the goal is, for us as a coaching staff, to get a good chance to evaluate our players, their ability to retain some of the information we’ve taught over the first couple of weeks and then translate it to the grass. Just getting better every single day, we talk about it all the time – just stacking blocks. We’re looking for that daily improvement. We feel like we got better today and we’ll see if we can do the same thing tomorrow. That’s kind of the goal for us.”

(On how QB Jared Goff looked today)
“I thought he did a nice job. Just being able to manage the huddle, get in and out, get lined up, call the plays properly, get some of the communication pre-snap that’s necessary. Then, I think you saw him sit in there, make some good throws – it’s always easy to go back after practice, you evaluate the tape and you have a better feel. I thought he did a really nice job just commanding the huddle. Really, I felt the same way about (QBs) Sean (Mannion) and Aaron Murray, as well. So that was encouraging for all three quarterbacks and I think it’s a credit to (offensive coordinator) Matt (LaFleur) and (quarterbacks coach) Greg (Olson) doing a great job getting them ready.”

(On LB Mark Barron and S Maurice Alexander’s absence from the field)
“It’s a situation with Mark, getting that shoulder taken care of. We’re going to be smart with him. He’s here, he’s present. It’s the same thing with ‘Mo’ Mo’s had a little bit of an issue with his hip. We’re just being cautionary with him, just finding out all the necessary information. But we’ve had 100 percent participation and those guys were accounted for, but we’re just being smart with them and making sure they’re 100 percent before we get them out there.”

(On if Barron and Alexander are the only players not on the field)
“There’s a handful, I’d have to look at the actual injury report with (Director of Sports Medicine and Performance) Reggie (Scott). There’s a handful of guys that don’t have full participation availability. But those guys that aren’t able to do that, they’re participants in the walk-thru, Mark was out there this morning and then Mo, if he was here, he had to get that taken care of off-site, making sure that we’re being thorough with that otherwise he would have been here and been a participant in the walk-thru as well.”

***

Rams QB Jared Goff – April 25, 2017

(On the first practice)
“It went a lot better than, maybe, a lot of us thought it would. There weren’t many hiccups. You come out on the first day and you expect there to be some re-dos and some stuff you have to do over and talk about. For the most part, it went pretty smoothly and I was really, really happy about it.”

(On what that says about the installation process with the new staff)
“Great. Obviously someone is doing something right and it starts up top with the coaches and the way that they’ve installed it. It’s obviously stuck in our brain. I know it’s only day one, but I was very pleased.”

(On the difference a year makes since he was drafted)
“A lot. I went through a whole season. About this time last year, I was probably at home. Now I’m here, practicing, getting reps, getting ahead. Makes a big difference.”

(On if it goes without saying that he is glad that is behind him)
“Oh yeah. I’m sure every prospect would say that. I feel bad for these kids. I look back, even talking to some of these quarterbacks, I’m like, ‘I feel you, I feel you, just make it through it, it’s not fun, but it’s ultimately worth your while.”

(On the first time he got his hands on the new playbook)
“I wanted to learn more and was texting them and trying to get as much information as I could. I felt like I did a good job so far, picking it up. Obviously, it’s a little bit rudimentary right now, what we’ve learned. There’s a long way to go and I feel happy with where we are right now.”

(On if he is getting the same message from Head Coach Sean McVay, Offensive Coordinator Matt LaFleur and Quarterbacks Coach Greg Olson)
“Yeah, it’s great. So far, it’s great. All three of them bring something to the table that’s different. I think Sean is, ultimately, obviously the head coach, he’s going to have the final say on a lot of stuff. But Matt seems to be a pretty good extension of him and then ‘Olly’ as well, ‘Olly’ does a great job bringing a different insight, he has a lot of experience that the other guys might not have and can give some good insight.”

(On working with WR Robert Woods and if he had been throwing with him before)
“Yeah, he had a good day. I was happy, he had a really good day today. Ran some great routes and that’s expected. He’s a great player and expect a good year from him.”

(On how the offense is coming together under the new coach)
“It’s been great, learned a lot. Today was great, I thought we did a good job picking up what we’ve learned so far and applying it on the field, very efficient.”

(On the energy that Coach McVay is bringing)
“It was good. A good day. It’s always that new energy. Today during our walk-thru, we walked through this morning at about 11 and it was basically a run through because he’s so excited to be out here and (Coach McVay) said, ‘Okay guys, slow down, it’s just a walk-thru.’ Most people weren’t really listening, they were just going pretty fast. It was a good day, I was very pleased.”

(On if he likes seeing McVay out there with the team)
“Absolutely, yeah. Coach McVay has been great. Obviously, on the field he’s been great, been great with me and I think he’s done a great job with the whole team.”

***

Rams OL Rob Havenstein – April 25, 2017

(On the transition to guard)
“I’m learning. Getting in as much as I can right now, in the classroom, at home, on my own. Really trying to make all the reps I have count. I don’t think anyone can afford to waste reps, but especially for me going to a new position. I definitely can’t waste any reps. I really have to take what I’m learning from (offensive line) Coach (Aaron) Cromer, from everyone on the offensive staff over to the field and progressively try to work on it.”

(On if the new position is a huge change)
“It’s not huge – it’s still offensive line. We’re still using some of the same techniques. There might be little nuances that are a little different. But, kind of from what I hear and what I’m learning, Is things happen a little quicker. There’s not as much space, so it’s just the little things that change. Technique might be a little different, but overall the scheme of technique is the same.”

(On whether he’s keeping an eye on the tackle position just in case he’s put in that spot later on)
“Right now, obviously, I’m trying to learn right guard. I have no idea where I’m going to be. I’m trying to learn left guard, right tackle. They don’t have me at center right now, which is a good thing because I haven’t snapped since high school. I’m really trying to pick up on the scheme of the offense rather than just learning one position. If you can just tell me a play and I can tell you what everyone’s doing, then I have a general understanding of the whole scheme, the whole structure rather than just one spot.”

(On his first impression of Coach McVay)
“Obviously, it’s not my job to judge him or anything like that. But, he has a great presence. He has a lot of confidence in what he does – his scheme, his system. I think, so far, guys are really buying in. It’s an easy thing to do with him standing in front of the room and the confidence he gives out there. He’s very upbeat, very positive and his coaching is excellent. I think a lot of guys are going to get a lot of good from it.”

(On what it’s been like to work with new offensive line coach Aaron Cromer)
“It’s been great so far. Obviously, with every different O-line coach things will be a little different in what they teach. I think we’re all really trying hard to get out there and do exactly what he’s teaching and what he’s coaching. From the film that we’ve watched of the other guys doing it, it works. You just see guys, right now, working really hard.”

(On what it’s been like being around T Andrew Whitworth and what he brings to the locker room)
“He’s been in the league for a hundred years (laughs). He’s been established as one of the best in the league year in and year out. Anything that any guy can pick up from him – whether it’s football, workouts, meeting rooms – wherever it is, clearly he’s doing it right. Even though I’ve been in the league for two years, I’m still technically a young guy and I think a lot of us want to jump in his back pocket – follow him and ask him a whole bunch of questions. Him and (C) John (Sullivan) both, they’ve been doing it for a long time and anything we can pick up from them is going to be a help to everyone.”

(On if he’s had any previous experience playing right guard)
“I don’t know, like a couple reps at practice. It’s been awhile. But, like I was saying earlier, position change – right tackle, right guard, left guard, left tackle, whatever it is – little things kind of change. Like I said, things happen a little quicker inside, there’s a little more space on the outside. But it’s having the understanding of your position, of what you’re doing at that position, no matter where you are. I think a lot of guys are cross-training, because we don’t know where we’re going to be and Coach Cromer said it, the best five are going to play, whoever that is. Guys are going to have to compete, work for the job, obviously myself included. We’re going to be fighting to get better together.”

***

Rams OLB Robert Quinn – April 25, 2017

(On being on the field with the new coaching staff)
“Since day one, they bring a different type of vibe, energy. Not to go back into the past, but coming from (former Rams Defensive Coordinator) Gregg (Williams) to (Defensive Coordinator) Wade (Phillips), they’re just two different personalities. Kind of the same – not to say coaching style – but different personalities. It’s fun to have a little bit of change. Excited that day one is in the bag, and just making more progress from here on out.”

(On the difference in his new role as an outside linebacker)
“Nothing too much. Just a couple of plays I had my hand off the ground, some plays I have my hand in the ground. I basically just go and make plays, that’s what they say. From day one, that’s what they told me. So, I just wipe my hands, and put a smile on my face. It’s time to get back to work.”

(On if he’s had experience playing outside linebacker)
“No. Basically since college, I’ve always had my hand in the dirt. A little bit last year. I had a neck roll on, so I stood up a little bit, but not on a consistent basis, no. Like I said, it’s not too much of a difference. We’ve been practicing at it. They said athletes can adjust to anything. I’m just trying to keep it as simple as possible. Like I said, they just say go make plays and go from there.”

(On his current health)
“I’m feeling great. Of course, I hate missing a year. It’s been a rough couple of years for me. Like I said, with the new coaching staff, I just kind of took a step back, took a deep breath. It’s like waking up every day. As long as you can wake up with a smile, you come to work with a positive energy, you just continue to work. Like I said, the coaches – they bring a positive, different type of environment that I haven’t really been around. With Wade winning a Super Bowl, being around some of the best pass rushers. It’s just a different culture they bring and different expectations. I think it’s not only exciting for me, but the guys in the locker room on both sides of the ball, offensively and defensively. Like I said, guys I think are just really excited to get back to work, and basically reprove ourselves again, because that’s how we keep a job around here.”

(On what he likes about Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips)
“He seems kind of quiet, but he throws jokes out, so if you don’t really pay attention, you might miss them. He knows what he’s talking about. He builds confidence in the guys. He tries to keep things as simple as possible to make guys to be able to play faster and make plays. It may seem complicated to everyone else, but like I said from day one, he kind of just broke it down to us in the defensive room and tried to make it as simple as possible. Once we step on the grass, we’re not thinking as much. We can left or right call, know your assignment, and go do your job, and go from there.”

(On if he looks at tape of former Broncos OLB DeMarcus Ware to study how he made a similar transition from defensive end to outside linebacker under Phillips)
“Oh, you haven’t seen my locker? I’ve got all his career stats. He wore 94, I wear 94. He’s an instant Hall of Famer once he’s eligible. Like you said, he’s going from defensive end to a standup linebacker. There was no drop off. He’s definitely going to be one of the, probably the main one I’m going to study. Then, I’ll see how the best do it.”

(On if he follows Phillips on Twitter)
“I do (laughs). I’m not on it every day to see what he tweets. But, I know his name is ‘@sonofabum’ or whatever it is. I heard he’s got the best ‘Twitter swag’ out there. So, I guess I need to pick mine up (laughs).”

***

Rams Cornerback Trumaine Johnson – April 25, 2017

(On how it feels being back on the football field)
“It feels great. This (voluntary veteran) minicamp was my first in my six-year career. It was fun to get out there with the new guys, the new coaches and go out there and play football again.”

(On his mental state after the offseason and receiving the franchise tag)
“I’m glad to be a Ram, point blank. Coming out here, it’s a privilege to play football. I’m glad I’m on the team, and I’m with the Rams.”

(On his hopes of receiving a long-term contract before the start of the regular season)
“Of course. We’ve got time right now. That’s not my main focus, I’m going to let my agent handle that. In the meantime, get to know the new guys, be back with the old guys and get all of these new defenses in with the coaches.”

(On his satisfaction level on the communication regarding a potential trade)
“I tend to let my agent handle that, and my agent gets back to me. This whole month and a half I’ve been controlling what I can control, and that’s working out, I’m not worried about that. I’ll know when it comes, and when it comes, I’ll handle it.”

(On if he wants to remain with the Rams)
“Of course, I love these guys. I’m here because I love my teammates. I don’t want to leave and hopefully we get a long-term deal.”

(On the adjustments required by the new coaching staff)
“It’s been good. It’s just a whole new culture here. With (Defensive Coordinator) Wade (Phillips), he’s a lot like (former Defensive Coordinator) Gregg Williams, they’re both attacking defenses, they both like to attack and compete. It’s going to be fun for defense. (Head Coach Sean) McVay – he’s young, I’m almost as old as him. Like I said, a high-energy guy, knows what he’s talking about, good for this team.”

(On how different this defensive scheme is from what was run last year)
“Not at all. Like I said, he likes guys that can cover, a lot of man (coverage), as you guys saw today. It’s going to be fun for us.”

(On Head Coach Sean McVay covering receivers with the defensive backs)
“He was over there. Actually, he was over there with our DB group throwing the balls, I told him, ‘I know you’re the head coach, but he’s on the offensive side, he can’t be over here with the defense right now.”