Los Angeles Rams At Minnesota Vikings: 5 Veterans to Watch

The final preseason game of 2016 has finally arrived. The Los Angeles Rams are squaring up against the Minnesota Vikings at the newly opened U.S. Bank Stadium.

One thing is certain: the starters will not – rather, should not – play any meaningful snaps. This game is the final opportunity for some of the players at the bottom portion of the depth chart.

Players to Watch

QB Sean Mannion

We still do not now who will be the starter on Thursday night between rookie QB Jared Goff or Sean “the Earth Human“ Mannion. What we do know is Mannion has outperformed the No. 1 overall pick in game action albeit against deeper reserves.

The second-year signal caller has put up a stat line of 24/37 with 190 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in two games thus far this preseason (He did not play in the second preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs). While not gaudy numbers by any means whatsoever, he is the Rams’ leading passer statistically this preseason.

Lets see if ‘14’ can prove his value.

WR Brian Quick

The fifth-year pro’s light bulb is on the verge of burning out. As a matter of fact, his bulb was busted from the get go.

Quick has done very little to show he is worth keeping. He has been utterly inconsistent in both practice and in games. Drops continue to be an issue. He has dropped multiple passes from almost every Rams QB – well maybe not Dylan Thompson, because ya know, he did not play at all... and he was cut.

Dunno what dude’s issue is but time is about run out for B-Quick.

CB Coty Sensabaugh

Sensabaugh is starting to look like another one of Head Coach Jeff Fisher and General Manager Les Snead’s bust free agent signings.

Signed away from the Tennessee Titans this offseason, Sensabaugh was brought in to compete for the starting gig opposite of Trumaine Johnson. Despite being given plenty of opportunities to take grasp of the starting role, Sensabaugh has routinely been beat by opposing receivers.

With fellow corner E.J. Gaines dealing with a multitude of leg injuries, Sensabaugh is in prime position to wrestle the #2 corner job away. Can he do it, is the question.

Based on what we have seen this offseason, however, it is Gaines’ job when he is healthy. Sensabaugh needs to demonstrate he can be counted on to step in if and when he is needed.

S Maurice Alexander/Cody Davis

Aside from the “other“ corner job, this is essentially the only other position up for grabs.

Mo Alexander has taken the majority of the snaps with the ones and should be the leading contender for the free safety gig. Davis has, however, also spent time with the starting unit so he is still in the race.

C/OG Eric Kush

First off, let me get this out the way. “OG“ Eric Kush has a pretty good ring to it. It’s hilarious to me haha. I want this guy to stick around for this sole reason. That and Fat Arm Fridays. Gotta have those.

Now, the fourth-year offensive lineman began camp as the second unit’s center. Against Denver, however, Kush entered the game as a guard with the third string.

Whether this means Kush is being edged out of the backup center job or if the Rams’ brass legitimately view him as a guard is yet to be seen. And to be honest, who really knows with this staff.

What is certain is the Rams need viable backup options at center and along the interior line and Kush for damn sure hopes he can provide that option.