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The Los Angeles Rams are about to begin their third organized team activity (OTA) of the available 10 in Phase III of the offseason program.
To this point, the real highlight was a video the Rams produced from OTA #2 on Tuesday that had Head Coach Sean McVay gushing over WR Brandin Cooks’ speed among other memorable moments:
“Wooo! It’s good to be back, man!”
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 24, 2018
Mic’d Up: Inside #LARams OTAs with Coach McVay! pic.twitter.com/DmWfkWUggZ
Aside from the practice itself and however the coaches assess the performances out of the 90-man roster, you’ve got two other storylines playing out.
DL Aaron Donald is absent and will remain so throughout OTAs. I would expect him to show up for the optional mandatory minicamp in mid-June as he did last year in the midst of his holdout. The question is if he’ll show up for training camp on day one or if he’ll wait a minute before showing up around August 10 in order to ensure 2018 is an accrued season on his contract toward free agency. #paytheman
The other storyline is, as is always the case in the buildup to the season, injury. Los Angeles Chargers TE Hunter Henry and Philadelphia Eagles LB Paul Worrilow both have already seen their 2018 seasons disappear due to ACL injuries. Thankfully, there’s been nothing anywhere near that severe for the Rams. Rookie rookie EDGE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo broke his foot during Phase II and is rehabbing following successful surgery. WR Josh Reynolds tore his labrum in the wild card playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons and is still on the mend. And ILB Mark Barron worked through a ton of injuries last year and is still being held out as McVay mentioned after the first OTA. McVay also mentioned OLB Matt Longacre and his back injury as something to monitor. But so far, the Rams continue to be incredibly fortunate on this front as they have been for the last two seasons, so pray/light a candle/do what you do to make sure the football gods keep it goin.
And with that...let’s practice!