The Los Angeles Rams left Philadelphia with a much-needed 24-20 victory over the Eagles, but the team did pick up a couple of minor injuries along the way during their east coast trip.
Wide receiver Konata Mumpfield suffered a rotator cuff contusion, while cornerback Emmanuel Forbes sustained a knee contusion during Sunday’s victory.
Head coach Sean McVay indicated Monday that he was not particularly concerned about either injury, suggesting both players have a chance to avoid a significant absence.
Mumpfield played 23 offensive snaps against Philadelphia, catching one pass for seven yards on three targets. Forbes stepped into a larger defensive role because of Jaylen Watson’s absence, playing 21 snaps and recording one tackle. Their availability will nevertheless be worth monitoring as the Rams prepare for a Week 5 matchup with the Buffalo Bills.
The bigger picture is more encouraging for Los Angeles, as several important reinforcements are on the horizon.
Myles Garrett remains on injured reserve following his knee injury, but he is eligible to return following the Bills game. That means the Rams could potentially have their prized defensive addition back on the field beginning in Week 6. Garrett’s eventual return remains one of the biggest storylines surrounding the team, particularly with the possibility of pairing him with Aaron Donald.
And that pairing could finally become a reality soon.
Aaron Donald missed the Week 4 victory over Philadelphia because of back soreness, but McVay said Monday that the veteran defensive lineman is trending toward a return for Week 5 against Buffalo. Donald’s return would provide an enormous boost to a defensive front that has had to operate without both Donald and Garrett for stretches of the season.
The secondary remains a concern, however. Jaylen Watson is still dealing with his shoulder injury and remains essentially week-to-week. McVay expressed optimism that Watson could potentially return against Buffalo if he responds well during the week of practice, but his status will need to be monitored closely.
The Rams also suffered a significant loss at tight end when Terrance Ferguson was placed on injured reserve because of his medial ankle sprain. Ferguson had emerged as an important part of the passing game early this season, so his absence creates another opportunity for Colby Parkinson and rookie Max Klare to take on increased responsibilities. Ferguson is expected to return later this season rather than miss the entire year.
Parkinson’s own status is also worth watching. He has dealt with a knee/shoulder issue and was questionable heading into the Eagles game. He remains on the injury report entering Week 5, meaning the Rams could potentially have some uncertainty at tight end despite the return of other injured players.
Ultimately, the Rams appear to be getting healthier at precisely the right time. Mumpfield and Forbes’ injuries do not currently appear serious, Donald could return against Buffalo, Watson has a chance to return, and Garrett could be back beginning in Week 6.
If Los Angeles can navigate the next couple of weeks without suffering additional significant injuries, the defense could look dramatically different by the middle of October. A healthy Donald followed by the return of Garrett would give the Rams a defensive front capable of changing games, while Watson’s eventual return would further stabilize a secondary that has already performed well despite the injuries.
After a 2-2 start, the Rams may finally be approaching the point where their preseason expectations begin to meet their actual roster.
