When the Los Angeles Rams set their initial 53-man roster, they placed two key offensive linemen on injured reserve with the expectation that they’d return this season. Justin Dedich and rookie Keagen Trost, who are valuable backups at guard and tackle, respectively, have been on IR all season but after missing four games, they’re now eligible to return.
That doesn’t mean they will return this week, though.
Sean McVay shared an update on both players during his appearance on the “Coach McVay Show” Monday, saying that
“That’s something that fortunately, we’ve been able to stay healthy up front,” McVay said. “Those are guys that we’re counting on that are going to be big-time depth guys for us. What does that really look like? Anytime you bring somebody
back, usually there’s a coinciding move. Now, we’ve had some injuries where sometimes those things have a way of working themselves out, so we’ll look at that and that’s something that I’ll visit with Reggie and our group this week.”
The Rams haven’t had much of a chance to see what Trost can do because he injured his hamstring in the first quarter of the preseason opener against the Chiefs, but McVay knows the talent he possesses.
He’s confident Trost, a third-round rookie, will be a valuable player for the Rams long-term.
“It’s not too big for him,” McVay said of Trost. “He’s a very mature rookie. Got a good demeanor. Got the ability to play on the right and the left side. Probably a little more comfortable on the right but certainly, you see the athleticism, the flexibility to be able to get out of left- and right-handed stances. I like what he’s about. I think he’s got a really bright future for us.”
As of now, the Rams have 10 linemen on the 53-man roster. There’s no chance they’re going to make it 12 by activating Dedich and Trost, which means they’ll need to make a decision: Do the Rams keep Dedich and Trost on IR until they’re needed, or will they cut someone like Bill Murray or Dylan McMahon to make room?
That’s something they’ll likely start talking about this week when Dedich and Trost are first eligible to return.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Sean McVay gives update on 2 linemen who are now eligible to come off IR
