Sean McVay says the Los Angeles Rams have set a December timeline for veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon to return, per The Coach McVay Show on the team’s website:
(On Witherspoon): He’s doing good. He’s making progress. Reggie Scott, the Rams’ head of strength and conditioning, is holding him back. December is kind of what we’ve targeted, but we’ll see when we’re able to start his clock (21-day practice window to activate from injured reserve).
Witherspoon is on injured reserve. He hasn’t played since the team’s Week 2 contest against the Tennessee Titans where he suffered a clavicle injury. The Rams can designate him to return from IR and open up the 21-day ramp up window. This does not necessarily mean that Witherspoon must practice for 21 calendar days before he can return to the active roster and/or performance, as teams can activate the player at any point during the window. LA would first need to make room for Witherspoon on the active 53-man roster.
Where Witherspoon fits upon return
In light of Quentin Lake’s injury—of which the extent of his absence is currently unknown—the Rams do have a hole in the secondary; however, it’s not one that Witherspoon can help fill. Lake is the team’s primary “star” and/or slot corner. Witherspoon plays primarily inside.
One option is to instead deploy Cobie Durant in the slot, opening a spot for Witherspoon on the outside. Emmanuel Forbes has played well lately, and in theory this would allow the Rams to put their best three corners on the field at the same time.
But if Josh Wallace or Roger McCreary are the next men up at inside corner, the Rams will be left with a tough choice on the outside. Do you move players who are currently playing well—Durant and Forbes—to the bench to make room for Witherspoon, or is it wiser to keep the hot hand and save your options for a rainy day?
Why did the Rams trade for McCreary?
LA acquired McCreary from the Titans three weeks ago. The former second round pick has yet to take a defensive snap for the Rams.
It was telling that Wallace primarily filled in for Lake last week against the Seattle Seahawks. It also begs the question what the plan is for McCreary, who has experience playing both inside and on the perimeter. If Wallace is truly ahead of McCreary on the depth chart, why did Los Angeles feel compelled to make this move? Is there room for McCreary on the roster once Witherspoon returns?
This is the current pecking order in my view:
- 1A – Durant
- 1B – Forbes
- 3A – Witherspoon (upon return)
- 3B – Darious Williams
- 5 – Wallace
- 6 – McCreary
Can the Rams afford to keep six corners on the roster once Witherspoon is back in the fold? They kept five out of training camp to start the regular season, so it wouldn’t be overly surprising. It is important to keep in mind that Lake is position flexible and could reasonably account for multiple roster spots in theory. The Rams also amidst a recent rash of injuries that could force difficult decisions, including Tyler Higbee and Xavier Smith who were also banged up in last weeks game versus Seattle.
