Kyren Williams, the talented Los Angeles Rams running back, suffered a debilitating ankle injury described as “cast-like material.” In a surprising turn of events, head coach Sean McVay announced that Williams will miss the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7, despite initial reports indicating that he would be fine.
McVay revealed that Williams was initially able to walk around and seemed to have high adrenaline levels. However, subsequent scans revealed a more severe ankle sprain than initially thought.
“He was walking around,” McVay said Wednesday. “Had great [adrenaline]. The way his immediate check-up went afterwards was not in alignment with what some of the scans ended up revealing on the ankle sprain.”
While Williams is currently listed as week to week, there is a possibility that he may be placed on injured reserve. Williams has been an integral part of the Rams’ offense, rushing for 456 yards and six touchdowns, with additional contributions of 105 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Unfortunately, the team has already placed their No. 2 running back, Ronnie Rivers, on injured reserve after he sprained his PCL against the Cardinals. Rivers is expected to be out for four to five weeks. The Rams are hopeful that Williams will be able to return after the team’s Week 10 bye, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
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The Rams are now faced with a decision regarding their remaining running backs. Zach Evans is expected to take the lead role, with Royce Freeman being promoted from the practice squad. Additionally, the team signed Myles Gaskin from the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad. Although Freeman has more experience, Evans, a rookie, has already been active in the last two games.
“Obviously you saw Zach Evans get the first carries [after Williams and Rivers exited],” McVay told ESPN on Monday. “We’ve got Royce Freeman on our practice squad, and there’ll be some different things that we’re in the midst of working through right now.”
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