NFL Power Rankings 2019: Post-mandatory minicamp edition
By Randy Gurzi
4. Los Angeles Rams (3)
The Los Angeles Rams were the talk of the league last season as their high-powered offense was a Super Bowl favorite for much of the year. Head coach Sean McVay was impressive as a play caller and Jared Goff started to come around as a passer. Then there was Todd Gurley, the impressive running back who could destroy teams on the ground and through the air.
However, there’s some concern about Gurley heading into 2019. The offensive MVP for the Rams missed a lot of time in the playoffs due to an injury and it was later revealed that he has arthritis in his knee. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk says it’s the same knee that had the ACL repaired in 2014, but the team isn’t planning surgery as of now.
"“It’s the same knee that underwent an ACL repair in 2014. If the report is accurate, what will the Rams do about it? Coach Sean McVay discussed stem-cell treatment options for the knee this week at the Scouting Combine. If Gurley has arthritis that comes from a loss of cartilage, microfracture surgery presumably would be a possibility. However, the Rams have said that Gurley won’t have surgery.”"
L.A. did protect themselves some as they drafted Darrell Henderson out of Memphis, who is more than capable of carrying the load if necessary. He won’t be as good as Gurley, but it was a smart insurance plan and should keep them atop the NFC West even if Gurley is forced to miss more time.