Rams trade for Patriots’ Michel to bolster backfield decimated by injuries

The Los Angeles Rams are getting some much-needed help in the backfield from a running back who starred against them in the Super Bowl.

The Rams acquired Sony Michel from the New England Patriots on Wednesday for a conditional selection of later-round picks in next season’s draft.

The Rams already lost two of their top three running backs from last season because of Cam Akers’ seasonending Achilles tendon injury and Malcolm Brown’s departure for Miami. When Darrell Henderson left practice Monday with a sprained thumb, the Rams quickly made a move to bolster the depth of coach Sean McVay’s offense.

Jets

Defensive end Vinny Curry announced he has a rare blood disorder that required his spleen to be removed. Curry said he was projected to return to the field in mid-September, but he developed blood clots and is taking blood thinners that prevent him from having physical contact for the next three to six months. He expects to be back next year.

Broncos

Denver is going with the steady over the spectacular. Coach Vic Fangio informed the team that Teddy Bridgewater has edged incumbent Drew Lock to win the starting quarterback job.

Cowboys

Dallas is still losing ground in a COVID-19 outbreak that was discovered just 90 minutes before their most recent preseason game. With two weeks left before the opener, coach Mike McCarthy isn’t sure how to assess what it means for the Sept. 9 matchup against Tom Brady and Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay. Two projected starters in left guard Connor Williams and safety Damontae Kazee tested positive. The Cowboys have five players on the COVID-19 list including two other projected starters in receiver CeeDee Lamb and defensive tackle Carlos Watkins, along with safety Malik Hooker. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn also is away from the team because of health and safety protocols.

Seahawks

Tight end Luke Willson said he’s stepping away from football, one day after re-signing with Seattle. In a lengthy statement on social media, Willson said after being back in the building and participating in practice with the Seahawks on Tuesday he realized it was time to move on.

Titans

Tennessee linebacker Harold Landry has become the fifth person and first starter affected by the Titans’ latest virus outbreak placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Coach Mike Vrabel announced Sunday that he had tested positive for COVID-19 a day after the Titans beat Tampa Bay, 34-3, in Florida.

Elsewhere

The NFL has mandated that only fully vaccinated personnel, with a maximum of 50 people, will have access to locker rooms while players are present on game days. In a memo sent to the 32 teams, the policy becomes effective immediately.