TOP 3 TRAINING CAMP BATTLES TO WATCH
The Rams start their Super Bowl championship defense today as training camp gets underway at Crawford Field at UC Irvine.
As for all teams, camp won’t be without some competition for positions. Here are the top three training camp battles to watch:
No. 1 Starting right guard
Players: Logan Bruss, Coleman Shelton, Tremayne Anchrum, AJ Arcuri, Bobby Evans
The biggest uncertainty heading into training camp might be at starting right guard, a vacancy created by Austin Corbett’s departure to the Carolina Panthers. Bruss, the Rams’ first pick in the 2022draft, seems to be the favorite after center Brian Allen and right tackle Rob Havenstein shared praise for the rookie from Wisconsin on Saturday. Shelton started two games last season and has three years of experience. Evans could be in the mix, but the team might prefer to keep him as a backup tackle.
No. 2 edge rusher
Players: Justin Hollins, Terrell Lewis, Chris Garrett
The Rams have depth and plenty of star power on defense, but they’re thin at edge rusher behind Leonard Floyd. Hollins said in May he’s confident he’ll fill the starting vacancy left by Von Miller, and that could come to fruition because of his versatility and knack for making plays. But Hollins admitted Saturday that he needs to work on his pass-rushing skills to generate more sacks. He has only six career sacks in three seasons. There are high hopes for Lewis, a 2020third-round pick, but he has struggled to stay healthy.
No. 3 wide receiver
Players: Van Jefferson, Tutu Atwell, Ben Skowronek Jefferson likely holds the No. 3position behind Cooper Kupp and newcomer Allen Robinson because of his knack for getting open with crisp routes and physical play. But the explosive Atwell could make a push if he finds his footing in Year 2 after an injury-riddled rookie season. The wide receiver room could get crowded if the team decides to bring back Odell Beckham Jr., who’s rehabbing from a torn ACL.
— Gilbert Manzano
Many notable players are still dealing with the aches and pains from reaching the mountaintop six months ago. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey (shoulder), inside linebacker Travin Howard (groin), running back Kyren Williams (foot) and safety Quentin Lake (undisclosed injury) were placed on the physically unable to perform list Friday.
Howard is scheduled to have surgery this week. Ramsey had his procedure last month. McVay wasn’t
sure whether Ramsey will be available for the season opener against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 8.
“I think it’s going to be a long process, but a lot of it is the feedback from him and then when he has to really use that shoulder, just some of the different things where it’s stressed,” McVay said. “It’s hard to really simulate some of those things because you don’t ever really go live in practice settings. But I think a lot of it will depend on how he is