Rams to Replace Injured RB1 Kyren Williams by Turning to Former RB2 Over Newcomer Myles Gaskin, Will It Work Against T.J. Watt & Co?

The Rams are 3-3 and have looked like a fringe playoff contender. Their main weapon, Cooper Kupp, is back and healthy like never before. Going into the season, no one had any hope for Sean McVay’s squad. However, they are sitting just 2 games behind divisional leaders Niners. If you had asked any Rams fan whether they would like their team to be .500 after six weeks with no Cooper Kupp for most of the time, they would have instantly taken it.

But the happiness of Kupp’s return was short-lived as LA’s running backs’ room took a massive hit.

Rams’ backfield in shambles

After putting RB2 on IR earlier this week, the Rams announced that Kyren Williams will be out for the next 4 games starting this Sunday. Kyren injured his ankle against Arizona, while Ronnie Rivers had a PCL sprain. Williams has been a steady presence in McVay’s offense, grinding 456 yards on the ground (5th best in the NFL). As a result, the Rams signed Royce Freeman and Darrell Henderson to their practice squad earlier this week. Despite some doubts, the Rams GM signed Myles Gaskin off the Vikings practice squad. In a press conference on Friday, the Rams HC spoke about Henderson being active against the Steelers. Despite this, how the rotation would look is still in the air.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Rams plan to use Henderson and Royce Freeman on Sunday afternoon. This might be because of the inexperience of both their rookie RBs, Evans and Gaskin. Royce and Darrell have combined for more than 3,000 yards in their career, which should be precious for a team comprising young guns everywhere. LA hopes to get the 2021 Dolphins version of Gaskin to show up (612 yards that year). The Rams are already banking on Stafford and Cooper to produce with rookies on the receiving core. They can’t install another bunch of inexperienced players at the RB position, too, as that might be too much of an ask from the whole offense.

All three of them come with different strengths. Freeman is a power guy, while Gaskin is just 2 years removed from being a starter. Darrell might have the upper leg because of his familiarity with Sean McVay’s offense.

Rams betting on experience

There were reports about Stafford being unable to connect with young fellows on a team comprising 14 or more rookies. Despite all the off-season drama, the Rams’ young receiving core has made a serious impact on the team. Comparatively, to ask for the same production from 2023 draft picks at the RB position might be a reach. It’s difficult for 1st year running backs to understand different pass protections. With a superstar like Stafford under center, it becomes easy for WRs to accommodate. But one thing that stands out among all three guys signed to an active roster is their experience.

Read More – Rams to Promote Darrell Henderson From the Practice Squad Amidst Injury Crisis, HC Sean McVay Thoroughly Impressed With Former RB2’s Second Stint

The Steelers’ defense relies heavily on their front four to bring down opposing QBs. Their pass defense is the middle of the pack, but they got exposed when they faced top QBs like Purdy and Lamar. But unlike those two, Stafford doesn’t have a good O-line. This is where experienced guys like Gaskin, Freeman and Henderson come into the picture. How well their exposure to the NFL fares for the Rams remains to be seen.

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