Los Angeles Rams running back Darrell Henderson Jr. will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL during Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins. The injury marks yet another setback for an offense that has been unreliable all year, and could be catastrophic for their chances at making it to Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta next month.
Los Angeles Rams’ running back Darrell Henderson Jr. is out for three with an ankle injury.
9:44 p.m. Eastern
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ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry
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- For the Los Angeles Times, I covered the Rams for two years.
- Previously, I wrote about the Falcons.
- Has written about the NBA, as well as college football and basketball.
THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA – After coach Sean McVay announced Monday that running back Darrell Henderson Jr. would be put on injured reserve due to a right MCL injury, Sony Michel’s recent rise as the Los Angeles Rams’ go-to back comes at an opportune time.
Henderson, who has been dealing with a quadriceps issue and has spent time on the reserve/COVID-19 list, was injured late in the fourth quarter of the Rams’ 30-23 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, which clinched the Rams’ fourth playoff berth in five years and moved them into first place in the NFC West with two games remaining in the regular season.
According to McVay, Henderson may be back in three to five weeks.
“Poor Darrell,” McVay observed, “can’t seem to catch a break.” “He had a great run, and it was one of those deals where he went down on a good run in a weird way.”
While the loss of the third-year pro is a setback to the Rams’ running back depth, McVay voiced confidence that Cam Akers would be ready for Sunday’s game against the Ravens (8-7) at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
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“There’s a chance he’ll play this week,” McVay added. “He looked pretty excellent in practice last week.”
Akers was activated to the roster by the Rams on Saturday, only two days after being designated to return off the non-football injury list and five months after tearing his right Achilles tendon in a private exercise before of training camp.
Despite his activation, Akers did not go to Minnesota to play the Vikings, since he was driven to join the active roster by incentives and the chance to collect pension credit.
“He’s earned the right to be on this roster,” McVay said, “and it seems like there’s a chance he might contribute as soon as this week on the field.”
In addition to Henderson, the Rams have placed rookie linebacker Ernest Jones on injured reserve. Jones will have surgery for a left high ankle sprain, which he has developed into a crucial factor since being elevated to starter in Week 8.
Jones, who has two interceptions, four pass deflections, and a sack, was “really just beginning to get his stride,” according to McVay. “Hopefully, he’ll be given the opportunity to return this year.”
After Jones was injured in the first quarter against the Vikings, linebacker Travin Howard entered the game and intercepted a pass in the end zone.
Michel, a first-round choice by the New England Patriots in 2018 who was acquired in a preseason trade, started sparingly this season until being promoted to the starting lineup in Week 13 when Henderson suffered a quadriceps injury.
Since then, he’s reignited the Rams’ rushing game, exhibiting a penchant for busting tackles and assuming the role of top rusher with 728 yards.
Cooper Kupp, a wide receiver, stated, “He runs pretty hard.” “You can sense the speed and strength with which he sprints.”
Michel had two 100-yard running games in four starts, making him the first Rams player to do it twice in a regular season since Todd Gurley in 2018.
“Sony has been a workhorse for the past month,” McVay said. “When we went 4-0 in December, he was one of the star players for us.”
It’s unclear how much Akers will be able to contribute after returning from a serious injury.
Because of Henderson’s loss, McVay said that the Rams will not rush his return.
McVay said, “Want to make sure we’re smart, checking all the boxes.” “But, really, this man is a force to be reckoned with. Last week, he certainly seemed to be capable of playing. However, the few chances we’ve had to practice and how you want to go about that process and method in a wise way are separate from one another.”
With 625 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, Akers concluded his first season as the Rams’ top rusher.
In the playoffs, he had two notable games, running for 131 yards and a score in a wild-card victory against the Seattle Seahawks and then 90 yards and a touchdown in a divisional playoff defeat to the Green Bay Packers.
The “darrell henderson or sony michel” is a question that many people ask. The Los Angeles Rams’ Darrell Henderson Jr. has been out 3 weeks with a knee injury and will be re-evaluated in 4 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darrell Henderson out?
A: Darrell Henderson is out, but Tua Tagovailoa will be starting at quarterback.
Is Darrell Henderson out for season?
A: Yes, Darrell Henderson is out for the season.
Is Darrell Henderson playing this week?
A: Yes, Darrell Henderson is playing this week.
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