Rams Cornerback Jaylen Watson Out for Season With Shoulder Injury
The loss forces a reshuffling of the defensive backfield just as key offensive players return from injury before Sunday's game against the Commanders.
By Giulia Donovan ·
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jaylen Watson will not play again this season due to a shoulder injury.
The team announced the news on Wednesday. Watson had been performing well prior to the injury.
Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula noted on Thursday that Watson was becoming a leader in the backfield room. Shula described the loss as a major blow to the group.
"It's obviously a big loss. It felt like he was really just hitting his groove," Shula said. "He became a connector in the [defensive back] room. He was getting guys together. He asked great questions in the meeting room. It's a huge loss and a lot of guys got to step up. We have faith in the guys that are here. … You feel for the person because he was having a great year."
Shula said Watson will continue to participate in film sessions and positional meetings. The coordinator expects Watson to keep asking tough questions of his teammates even while on the sideline.
"Taking the guys under his wing on the practice field. What I always loved about him was he was never afraid to ask a tough question in the meeting room," Shula said. "If he didn't know, he was going to ask a question. When he gets back in there, that's what we're going to expect from him … ask those questions exactly the same like you're playing to help all these guys."
Defensive lineman Aaron Donald said the unit can handle the absences. Donald, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, stated that other players will step up.
"I play with some good guys. Some playmakers just playing some good ball right now," Donald said. "Obviously, you lose a good player, you got another guy to step up that you trust. It's always next man up. Understanding that the guy that's going to step is not going to be too big of a drop off. It feels good when you got guys in the back end that you can trust."
The Rams face an injury crisis in the secondary. Cornerback Trent McDuffie missed his second consecutive practice on Thursday due to a back ailment. Safety Kam Curl also sat out for a second straight day.
With Watson, McDuffie, and Curl out, the defense may rely heavily on Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Josh Wallace. The team plays the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
Offensively, the Rams are regaining key players. Tight end Colby Parkinson missed his second practice this week with a rib injury. Tight end Terrence Ferguson and defensive end Myles Garrett returned to practice on Wednesday after time on injured reserve. Both were active participants on Thursday.
Offensive Coordinator Nate Scheelhaase welcomed the return of Ferguson. The unit runs a heavy 13 personnel package, which benefits from additional tight ends.
