Los Angeles Rams' Kobie Turner 'Excited to Take Next Step'
The Los Angeles Rams lost defensive lineman Bobby Brown III to an MCL sprain against the Philadelphia Eagles last week, and he was put on IR on Tuesday.
Third-round rookie Kobie Turner is expected to play significantly more snaps ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Turner, who has logged 13 tackles, two quarterback hits and a sack while playing 55 percent of snaps, is looking forward to the increased role and is using a "next man up" mentality" until Brown recovers.
"Right now, I just have to step into that next role," Turner said in the locker room on Thursday. "I'm excited for it, I'm ready for it and I've been getting reps this whole time. I'm excited to take that next step."
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) and defensive tackle Kobie Turner (91).
© Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
As previously stated, the 24-year-old has had plenty of preparation over the past five weeks, and explained that "the game is definitely slowing down."
"The first week, I was like 'oh my gosh, I'm playing in the NFL,' and now it's just 'go out there, compete and execute,'" Turner said. "There's a lot of things that I've already learned that I need to continue to clean up on, but I've also had a lot of opportunities to play against some really good talent. I'm really excited going forward."
Some of that "really good talent" that Turner is referring to is on other teams, but also his own with fellow defensive lineman Aaron Donald. Turner detailed the "relentless mind" that the three-time Defensive Player of the Year possesses and that he's striving to obtain it as well.
"I'm learning how (Donald) turns it on in those big moments and always gets to the passer—whether it be in games, practices or even walkthroughs—nobody's touching or blocking him," Turner said. "Him attracting so much attention gives me an opportunity to go and make plays as well. Now it's just time that I go and do it."
