Los Angeles Rams: Josh Reynolds progress clouds Tavon Austin’s future?
Tavon Austin future with the Los Angeles Rams is already muddy, but Josh Reynolds’ strong preseason start adds to uncertainty
When the Los Angeles Rams hired coach Sean McVay in January, a Tavon Austin future in Southern California seemed a certainty. Austin missed much of the offseason due to a wrist injury that he originally suffered in 2016. He has missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury.
McVay’s offense requires a deep threat that seemed not only to tailor to Austin’s game, but also relied on it. The Rams entered camp without any other proven deep threat. Austin’s inability to practice, however, spurred Los Angeles to trade for Buffalo Bills star wide receiver Sammy Watkins.
But even then, the possibility existed that the two could co-exist and give quarterback Jared Goff multiple long-ball options — until the emergence of rookie Josh Reynolds.
The Rams drafted Reynolds in the fourth round with the hopes that he could complement Austin. Reynolds may end up being Watkins’ sidekick instead. Reynolds also missed much of training camp with a quadriceps injury, the Los Angeles Times reported.
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Apparently, he made up for lost time on his first day back earlier this week. The Times reported that he made several acrobatic catches during practice. Wide receivers coach Eric Yarber told the Times that Reynold’s height and quickness will be an asset against NFL defensive backs, via the Times:
"“You usually see that in smaller guys, but he he’s a guy that’s 6-3 that can do it,” Yarber said. “And then down the field he’s a big target. All you got to do is put it in his area code and he’ll go get it.”"
Reynolds averaged nearly 55 catches for more than 900 yards and 10 touchdowns per season during his three years at Texas A&M. If he can replicate that effort for the Rams, Goff’s world suddenly is wide open with Watkins and possession receiver Cooper Kupp.
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Leaving balls scarce for the Rams’ most expensive receiver. Austin’s future in Los Angeles beyond 2017 seems to be more remote with each passing day.