Rams Bracing For 'Big' Loss as DB Jordan Fuller's Status in Doubt at Lions
As the Los Angeles Rams (10-7) prepare for Sunday's playoff bout against the Detroit Lions (12-5), they're doing so without one of their most important defenders.
Rams safety Jordan Fuller is day-to-day with an ankle injury, though his status for practice later this week appears in doubt, which is also the case for linebacker Troy Reeder, who hyperextended his knee.
Asked Monday if Fuller will practice this week, Rams coach Sean McVay didn't appear optimistic about Fuller's immediate status.
“He's not going to practice on Wednesday as of right now if I was to project that, but we're going to give him all the time that he needs,” McVay said. “We're going to take it a day at a time, but I think we do need to be prepared and get contingency plans in place.
"But we're hopeful that he might be able to make it to the game.”
The 25-year-old Fuller has enjoyed a productive campaign, recording 94 tackles, eight passes defensed, three forced fumbles and a trio of interceptions, two of which have come in his past three games.
East Rutherford, NJ December 31, 2023 -- Former Old Tappan player Jordan Fuller of the Rams on the field during pre-game warmups. The New York Giants host the Los Angeles Rams on December 31, 2023, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
© Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
Fuller has started all 17 games on the back end for the Rams this season, and 46 of his 48 career appearances since entering the league in 2020.
Be it production or leadership, Fuller brings a valuable presence to Los Angeles' defense - and would classify as a considerable loss should he be inactive Sunday.
“A communicator, a guy that's played with great range,” McVay said. “I think he's made a lot of timely plays in crunch-time situations, but he's been a captain for a reason. He’s got tremendous respect from his teammates and coaches and there's been a toughness to his game.
“So, it would be a big one for us, but we're hopeful that we don't have to go quite that direction yet.”
Should Fuller be unable to play, second-year safety Russ Yeast will return to a larger role. With Fuller playing just 20 percent of Los Angeles' defensive snaps, Yeast took the other 80 percent. He'd played 23 percent or less in each of the previous three games.
John Johnson and Quentin Lake will continue to see extensive action at safety, and the Rams have a strong blend of experience and production beyond Fuller.
But facing a high-powered Lions offense led by former Rams quarterback Jared Goff, having a full arsenal will be important.
The Rams and Lions are set to kick off Sunday at 5 p.m. PST inside Ford Field.
