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A little over a week ago, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport first broke the status on the St. Louis Rams’ plans for rookie running back Todd Gurley: he’d sit the first three weeks of the regular season. At the time, that meant a return in Week 4 against the Cardinals.
But after practice on Wednesday evening, the Rams released their post-practice injury report. Gurley was not only a full participant, but took reps with the first team offense. As did Tre Mason, who’s recovering from a thigh injury. Mason states he’s fully recovered and "ready to go."
The Rams haven’t come out and said that Gurley will play this weekend, despite his participation in practice. And knowing Jeff Fisher, we may not know until game day.
The question, though, is whether or not it should even be in consideration. If three more weeks to rehabilitate and prepare was the initial timeline, why is he suddenly taking reps with the first team? More importantly could the Rams be rushing him back too soon? That’s something Rams’ fans have seen go wrong more often than not. And risking further injury to the team’s 2015 first round draft pick is something the team can’t afford to do.
Maybe the initial call from the Rams of a Week 4 return was just Fisher's high jinks to throw the opposition off guard.
We’ll monitor his progress as the week goes on, as well as provide insight - provided he gives some - from Jeff Fisher in his post-practice presser[s]. Be sure to stop back by for updates.
But for now, we vote on it...