Head coach Sean McVay put rookie safety Jordan Fuller on the IR on Oct. 13.
With the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols, Fuller will be out for at least three weeks. McVay called Fuller’s injury “a little stinger,” but it can’t be so little to be without his services for three weeks.
The Rams got Fuller for a steal. They drafted him in the sixth round this year, but he is playing like a first-rounder. He’s played almost every snap this season. In his first five games, he’s recorded 21 tackles and only two pass reflections. His value won’t show up on the stat sheet, but he has a high football IQ.
Photo: Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty ImagesFuller’s debut came in week one against the Dallas Cowboys, and he made his presence known after a big hit on CeeDee Lamb late in the fourth to prevent the Cowboys from a third-down conversion in the RedZone.
His analysis of the field is important to the Rams’ defense.
He read through the offensive movement to pin Lamb as the target and deliver the hard hit.
The Rams will be without Fuller’s ability to survey the field, and the Rams missed it against the San Francisco 49ers. Fuller has been a shutdown safety in coverage. In his five games, Fuller allowed 69 yards on eight completions. His replacement Taylor Rapp allowed 97 yards in the same amount of games and completions but fewer snaps.
Fuller is playing like a seasoned safety. Because IR requires players to be out three weeks, he will get the rest he needs. But that’s a long to be missing their stud safety. He missed San Francisco, but he’ll also miss the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins. The Bears have a decent passing attack now that Nick Foles is under center. Mami also found its rhythm with Ryan Fitzpatrick as the starting QB. Even if Tua Tagovailoa unseats Fitzpatrick, the Dolphins won’t be an easy matchup.
Fuller will be able to return for the Rams bye week, making his first game back against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Rams will definitely need Fuller 100% by then.
Featured Image: Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
