Fuller makes progress on return from surgery
The Rams’ Jordan Fuller, seen breaking up a pass to the Bucs’ Rob Gronkowski last season, is recovering from ankle surgery.
IRVINE » Rams safety Jordan Fuller participated in the spirited team drills that took place Friday during the first padded practice of training camp. It was another strong indicator that Fuller is on track to play in the Sept. 8 regular-season opener against the Buffalo Bills, but he’s not letting his mind go there.
It’s a significant step for Fuller to be playing alongside fellow safeties Taylor Rapp and Nick Scott while defending Matthew Stafford’s first-team offense, but it’s still one step at a time for the third-year safety who is recovering from an ankle injury that forced him to miss the Rams’ Super Bowl run.
“Could be,” Fuller said after being asked if playing in Week 1 is realistic. “We’ll see. I don’t know.”
Fuller doesn’t have a time frame because of his daily challenges that aren’t noticeable on the field. There are days when he’s playing freely and not concerned about the ankle, and then there are days when he says he can’t get his mind off the recovery process.
“I’ll say some days are better than others, but I do think about it,” Fuller said. “I’m not where I want to be, but I’m taking steps in the right direction. What I’m most happy about is that I’m allowed to be around the guys. So it’s fun being back around that energy, playing football and doing what I love to do.”
Rams coach Sean McVay said he told Fuller to have a “smart” progression, and that’s been the case with the team limiting his reps during drills. Fuller didn’t participate in team drills during the first three practices.
Fuller, 24, has struggled mentally with his recovery from ankle surgery, but McVay said it hasn’t appeared that way on the field.
“I thought he’s moved around really well,” McVay said. “He looks comfortable. Sometimes it’s a matter of accumulating that experience where you can just really let go and go trust it. … The movement, the way he’s been playing, I’ve been pleased with Jordan.”
Higbee's progress
Tight end Tyler Higbee was the other season-long starter who missed playing in Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Higbee, who had knee surgery, progressed faster than Fuller, but he admitted Friday that he’s still dealing with challenges on and off the field.
“Getting some of that rust off,” Higbee said. “Just getting those repetitions and being able to hone in on the offense and on those slight details you might have lost in the offseason.
“I think I do a pretty good job of being able to put that aside and understand and try to trust the process. At times it can get a little tough, you wanna be able to do certain things that you were doing prior to an injury. Sometimes that takes time. Sometimes you’re going to have to battle through certain things.”
Higbee is working his way back, but he’s made several plays as Stafford’s go-to tight end during the first week of training camp.
Highlight plays
Rookie cornerback Decobie Durant made two acrobatic interceptions during team drills, one against Stafford and the other on a pass from backup quarterback John Wolford.
Durant’s first interception – a diving grab in front of wide receiver Cooper Kupp – was so impressive that McVay walked over to the defensive side to praise the memorable takeaway.
“Really from OTAs, I knew he’s a special talent,” Fuller said of Durant, a 2022 fourth-round pick. “I knew what he was capable of. He’s not even scratching the surface of what he can be, but yeah, he’s a special talent for sure. I love Decobie.”
Defensive tackle Greg Gaines also had a diving takeaway after he batted a Stafford pass and came down with it.
Sloppy play
McVay applauded the defensive takeaways, but he wasn’t pleased with the poor execution, leading to a handful of penalties during the first practice open to the public this summer.
“There were a lot of really good plays on both sides and then there was some sloppy football,” McVay said. “A lot of things that we need to get cleaned up. Stuff that I expect better from our team, but there were a lot of positives.”