Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford rolls out and looks for a receiver under pressure from Chargers defensive tackle Scott Matlock (99) and his teammates during a joint practice in El Segundo on Sunday. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)
No reason for the Rams to panic. Unless star receiver Puka Nacua’s right knee requires more than an ice pack
No reason for the Chargers to celebrate. Unless star quarterback Justin Herbert’s right foot heals ahead of schedule.
Sunday’s joint practice between the teams at the Chargers’ facility in El Segundo revealed much about some things, little about others and nothing about new kickoff strategies.
The Rams came equipped with quarterback Matthew Stafford but a disjointed offensive line because of injuries that sidelined three starters during training camp. The Chargers were without Herbert, who remains in a boot because of a plantar fascia injury.
Read more: Bad news for Chargers: Justin Herbert’s foot injury requires a boot for weeks
A Chargers’ first-team defense that features pass rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and safety Derwin James intercepted several passes, tipped others and forced fumbles.
On a day when no tackling was allowed, there were instances of hard contact. Nacua came down hard on the turf while trying to make a contested catch in the end zone. He also absorbed a blow on a jet sweep. Nacua finished the practice on the sideline in uniform but with the ice pack on his knee.
Rams coach Sean McVay did not provide an update on Nacua.
But he did make a quick assessment of the offense.
“Make no mistake about it,” McVay said. “Some of the things I saw, particularly offensively — got way higher standards than what we looked like.”
Read more: Rams try not to panic as third starting offensive lineman is injured at camp
With left tackle Alaric Jackson (ankle), left guard Jonah Jackson (shoulder) and right tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle) not participating, Joe Noteboom played left tackle, Zach Thomas left…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-benefit-chargers-defense-pushing-225002407.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-08-04 22:50:02
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