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Los Angeles Rams: Injuries payback for 2016, or positive for 2017?

By Greg Archuleta

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Dominique Easley's torn ACL is part of a Rams injury situation that might actually help the team in the short run. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Dominique Easley's torn ACL is part of a Rams injury situation that might actually help the team in the short run. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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Injuries for the Los Angeles Rams were not an issue in 2016, but that already is not the case thus far in 2017 training camp

Los Angeles Rams injuries did not contribute to the team’s porous 2016 season. But they may be a factor in 2017 — one way or another. The Rams lost Dominique Easley for the season this week to a torn ACL. Los Angeles expected Easley to be a starter at defensive end.

Now, a team without a lot of talent already is behind the eight ball heading into the regular season. The Rams were the least affected team from injuries in 2016, ESPN.com reported. That has raised the question of whether the team is due for some inclement health issues this season.

In the ESPN report, general manager Les Snead had this to say:

"“There’s a mean and an average for a reason, and it’s probably hard to beat the odds,” Rams general manager Les Snead said. “Now I think with the technology we have, and the science we have, there’s an element where you might prevent some soft tissue-type injuries, stay ahead of that curve.”"

Snead later continued:

"“I don’t know if you really go into any year going, ‘We need to prepare for injuries,'”"

ESPN.com also reported that backup running back Lance Dunbar has been slow to recover from a lingering knee problem.

Easley’s injury could force the Rams to make a few more concessions to defensive tackle Aaron Donald to end his holdout earlier. Dunbar’s injury could revise the coaching staff’s thoughts of how much they intend to use running back Todd Gurley.

According to Sporting News, Gurley told Sirius XM NFL Radio that he has given thought to trying to record 1,500 rushing yards AND 1,000 receiving yards this season. Certainly, the Rams don’t have a lot of proven talent behind Gurley in Malcolm Brown, Aaron Green and Justin Davis. So while the Rams injuries are significant and could get worse if Dunbar doesn’t get better, they might help in the short term.

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The team may sign Donald quicker and keep him from missing games. Gurley could have the bounce-back year to end all bounce-back years. As long as the Rams don’t lose anyone else to injury.

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