Since Sean McVay took over as head coach of the Los Angeles Rams in 2017, he’s started a trend of not playing his key starters in the preseason. Very simply, he doesn’t see the risk of injury being worth the minimal reward of giving experienced players snaps in meaningless exhibition games.
That will continue this offseason, beginning on Saturday when the Rams face the Chargers. McVay told reporters on Wednesday that six defensive backs won’t play at all in the preseason: Jalen Ramsey, Troy Hill, Jordan Fuller, Taylor Rapp, Nick Scott and David Long Jr.
None of those names are particularly surprising, but it is an indication that all six will either be starters or key contributors in the secondary – including Long. He seems to have a leg up on Decobie Durant, Derion Kendrick and Robert Rochell for the No. 3 cornerback spot.
David Long, Jalen Ramsey, Troy Hill, Jordan Fuller, Taylor Rapp & Nick Scott all won’t play in the preseason, Sean McVay says. Seems like a good indication Long is the Rams’ starting CB.
McVay says he’s eager to watch Robert Rochell, Derion Kendrick, Decobie Durant in preseason.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) August 10, 2022
This could also be a matter of Long simply having enough experience to warrant sitting out the preseason. Durant and Kendrick are rookies, and Rochell missed about half of his rookie year due to injury. So Long is the most experienced of the four.
Scott and Rapp are likely to keep battling for the starting safety spot alongside Fuller, but regardless of who wins that title, they both should get plenty of opportunities in nickel and dime sets this season.
