Barron will play at Seattle Zuerlein will not

[BonifayRam]

I really hope that Saffold and Higbee are ok and the coaching staff is just being cautious with them

I have been so impressed:bow: with Rodger Saffold since he has overcame all those seasons & all those injuries to be able to turn in an all pro perfromance in 2017. Having a knee acting up so early in the season is of course not good for him now in his 30's. Rodger has vast expereice with injuries & with a variety of ailments that have kept him off the field. RS first lower leg injuries came from breaking his foot then following up that same 2012 season with breaking his fibula.

The only recorded measurable knee injury that RS had was back on week 2 game against the Falcons in in 2013. RS was starting on the right side @ that time. RS suffered a sprained MCL. He was back in practice one month later. IN 2014 pre season RS injured his ankle. Then the twin shoulder sugeries & a pec surgery but since early 2016 RS has lined up & started. Last season 2017 he departed the field for ribs & ankle injuries but started the following weeks. So RS does not have any history of serious knee injuries, for an NFL OL that something.

In truth Rams OL is in outstanding position to combat injuries than any time in decades. OC Kromer has several good options to overcome the loss of RS for a period of time.

List of Options @ starting LG:

(a.) Jamon Brown is fully healthy & has been back practicing since early wk 3. JB has 38 NFL gms with 30 starts now in his 4th season. JB has starts @ both Right & Left OG. He is a natural LEFT dominate hand OL'er who was a LT in college. JB has started many gms against the Seahawks & played well in Seattle on numerous winning games up there.

(b.) Joseph Noteboom was our top 2018 draft selection & is being groomed to be our LEFT side LT when our near 37 yr old Whitworth can no longer play. This past pre season JN played most in the LT/RT/RG posts. But did see some PS action @ LG. Getting his first start in Seattle (a hostile foreign land) would be a very big test for JN.

(c.) Austin Blythe has been playing outstanding since opening week @ RG. He has been a big surprise to most of us here IN ROD land. AB has never started an NFL gm @ LG. In pre season AB saw plenty of action @ all three interior posts.

If RS needs more time off I going to insert the 340 plus pound Brown in @ starting LEFT OG next to Andrew Whitworth for the first time & see how that works for Brown. Never know we might discover something special.

 

[BonifayRam]

Rams have fingers crossed for Sunday return for Mark Barron
By Mark Inabinett
https://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2018/10/los_angeles_rams_have_fingers.html
The Los Angeles Rams are hoping that this is the Sunday when inside linebacker Mark Barron returns to the field.

The former Alabama standout has missed the first four games of the season. On Wednesday, Rams coach Sean McVay said the arrow was pointing up on Barron making his 2018 debut on Sunday, when Los Angeles visits the Seattle Seahawks for an NFC West game.

"We've kind of got a plan in place where we're anticipating him being able to go," McVay told reporters. "That's subject to change based on how he responds, but he's feeling good up to this point. ... We're hopeful to be able to get him back. If that's the case, we'll be excited to get Mark out there."

Last season, Barron played in 14 games while battling through Achilles, knee, shoulder and thumb injuries. During the offseason, Barron had surgery on his right shoulder to repair a torn labrum and his left heel to remove bone spurs.

Barron's ailment has been listed as "ankle" on the Rams' injury report, but media reports have more specifically identified the problem as a continuation of the Achilles ailment from last season.

The surgeries caused Barron to miss Los Angeles' offseason program, he didn't play in any preseason games and reports from training camp said the linebacker participated in portions of practice such as walk-throughs but didn't take part in full team drills.

 

[Mackeyser]

According to an article at nfl.com right now the Seahawks Oline is top 5.

 

[ReekofRams]

I really hope that Saffold and Higbee are ok and the coaching staff is just being cautious with them

If there was anything to worry about I'm sure McVay would've mentioned in his post practice press conference yesterday.

 

[Akrasian]

If there was anything to worry about I'm sure McVay would've mentioned in his post practice press conference yesterday.

McVay is big on letting his vets rest routinely. If they're banged up or hurt, he knows they can do their job on Sunday without midweek practice.

 

[JonRam99]

I think the trend of Saffold's good health is largely a result of moving him inside -- no longer is he lunging or off-balance when he pitches in for an injured LT (Robinson, Long, etc.). With Noteboom backing up big Whit, I'm assuming the contingency plan would be Noteboom vs. Saffold at LT. That would keep some continuity going for Roger & the rest of the OL. Brown backing up Blythe is also a great contingency. Not sure who backs up Hav tho...

 

[ReekofRams]

I think the trend of Saffold's good health is largely a result of moving him inside -- no longer is he lunging or off-balance when he pitches in for an injured LT (Robinson, Long, etc.). With Noteboom backing up big Whit, I'm assuming the contingency plan would be Noteboom vs. Saffold at LT. That would keep some continuity going for Roger & the rest of the OL. Brown backing up Blythe is also a great contingency. Not sure who backs up Hav tho...

Plus both Saffold's shoulders has been fixed. The reason Saffold injured his shoulders in the first place is that his shoulders were naturally loose, meaning his ligaments and tendons were too loose. So each time they operated on a shoulder they tightened his shoulder so they're aren't just as good as new, they're better than new.

 

[BonifayRam]

I think the trend of Saffold's good health is largely a result of moving him inside -- no longer is he lunging or off-balance when he pitches in for an injured LT (Robinson, Long, etc.). With Noteboom backing up big Whit, I'm assuming the contingency plan would be Noteboom vs. Saffold at LT. That would keep some continuity going for Roger & the rest of the OL. Brown backing up Blythe is also a great contingency. Not sure who backs up Hav tho...

Ref. Saffold working inside....That's the common position from most here...Not sure that the evidence that I know could back up that position. I know we have had dozens of discussions on it.

I am of the position when Saffold came to the Rams he was listed 6-5 311 lbs. RS earned many awards as being the "Rookie of the Year @ LT", from just about any sports outlet who does those things. The following season he was listed @ 316 lbs. By 2013 he was over 330 plus lbs & he was called "BeatleJuice" because he was so large. Its my position that Saffold outgrew the LT position & is far better suited to play Left OG as a pro. Can he still play the LT post? I am sure he can, but why, when Rodger is a better playing LG?

Not so sure now if RS will ever have to start a game @ LT again now with Joseph Noteboom ready to go. He has play'd close/near pro Bowl level @ the blind side LG post. You just do not remove a player who is doing so well unless you do not have a legit LT back up. Rams have done the work on that. I would also assume that Noteboom is the RT back up too.

 

[BonifayRam]

Injury Report 10/4: Saffold, Higbee Expected to Play vs. Seahawks
Myles Simmons

https://www.therams.com/news/injury-report-10-4-saffold-higbee-expected-to-play-vs-seahawks
Left guard Rodger Saffold and tight end Tyler Higbee did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but head coach Sean McVay said it shouldn’t affect their availability for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks.

“Really, with Saffold, it’s just being smart with his knee — kind of a maintenance-type deal,” McVay said. “And Tyler got his knee a little bit in the game, but he returned. And we expect those guys to be ready to go. But as we kind of get closer to the week, they’ll be able to get more work in, maybe even tomorrow. But we don’t expect to not have those guys.”

Saffold and Higbee are both starters and major contributors to the offense. Saffold has played all 267 of Los Angeles’ offensive snaps in 2018, and Higbee has played 81 percent of the club’s snaps as its primary tight end. Higbee has caught three passes for 38 yards and a touchdown this season, and has excelled in run blocking.

Elsewhere on the injury report, linebacker Mark Barron was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice. With the Rams in full pads, McVay said how Barron recovers from this particular session will be a good indication for his availability on Sunday.


“Really, we only had a handful of not necessarily even live reps, but full-speed reps where you’re going faster than a walk-thru tempo. Today will really serve as a great measuring stick. And more than anything, because this is our most physical, tolling practice that we’ll have — we’ll put the pads on today — how he responds, and how he feels tomorrow will be a big indicator on whether we feel like he’s going to be ready to go or not.”

As for returner JoJo Natson, McVay said the team will make a final decision on his availability over the next couple of days, in conjunction with special teams coordinator John “Bones” Fassel.

“As far as if we feel comfortable, I know ‘Bones’ feels good about him. But if you’re going to put somebody back there, just having gotten that surgery, we want to make sure we’re making smart decisions. That’s something that’s probably going to be a little bit closer — we’ll make that after tomorrow as well. But if the case is that he doesn’t go, then you feel confident in Cooper [Kupp’s] ability to consistently be back there and do a good job.”

Running back Todd Gurley, left tackle Andrew Whitworth, and defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh returned to the field after a rest day on Wednesday. Center John Sullivan received a rest day on Thursday.

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
TE Tyler Higbee (knee)
LG Rodger Saffold (knee)
C John Sullivan (not injury related)
K Greg Zuerlein (right groin)
LIMITED
ILB Mark Barron (ankle)
Full
WR JoJo Natson (hand)
RB Todd Gurley (not injury related)
DL Ndamukong Suh (not injury related)
LT Andrew Whitworth (not injury related)

 

[FarNorth]

Injury Report 10/4: Saffold, Higbee Expected to Play vs. Seahawks
Myles Simmons

https://www.therams.com/news/injury-report-10-4-saffold-higbee-expected-to-play-vs-seahawks
Left guard Rodger Saffold and tight end Tyler Higbee did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but head coach Sean McVay said it shouldn’t affect their availability for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks.

“Really, with Saffold, it’s just being smart with his knee — kind of a maintenance-type deal,” McVay said. “And Tyler got his knee a little bit in the game, but he returned. And we expect those guys to be ready to go. But as we kind of get closer to the week, they’ll be able to get more work in, maybe even tomorrow. But we don’t expect to not have those guys.”

Saffold and Higbee are both starters and major contributors to the offense. Saffold has played all 267 of Los Angeles’ offensive snaps in 2018, and Higbee has played 81 percent of the club’s snaps as its primary tight end. Higbee has caught three passes for 38 yards and a touchdown this season, and has excelled in run blocking.

Elsewhere on the injury report, linebacker Mark Barron was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice. With the Rams in full pads, McVay said how Barron recovers from this particular session will be a good indication for his availability on Sunday.


“Really, we only had a handful of not necessarily even live reps, but full-speed reps where you’re going faster than a walk-thru tempo. Today will really serve as a great measuring stick. And more than anything, because this is our most physical, tolling practice that we’ll have — we’ll put the pads on today — how he responds, and how he feels tomorrow will be a big indicator on whether we feel like he’s going to be ready to go or not.”

As for returner JoJo Natson, McVay said the team will make a final decision on his availability over the next couple of days, in conjunction with special teams coordinator John “Bones” Fassel.

“As far as if we feel comfortable, I know ‘Bones’ feels good about him. But if you’re going to put somebody back there, just having gotten that surgery, we want to make sure we’re making smart decisions. That’s something that’s probably going to be a little bit closer — we’ll make that after tomorrow as well. But if the case is that he doesn’t go, then you feel confident in Cooper [Kupp’s] ability to consistently be back there and do a good job.”

Running back Todd Gurley, left tackle Andrew Whitworth, and defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh returned to the field after a rest day on Wednesday. Center John Sullivan received a rest day on Thursday.

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
TE Tyler Higbee (knee)
LG Rodger Saffold (knee)
C John Sullivan (not injury related)
K Greg Zuerlein (right groin)
LIMITED
ILB Mark Barron (ankle)
Full
WR JoJo Natson (hand)
RB Todd Gurley (not injury related)
DL Ndamukong Suh (not injury related)
LT Andrew Whitworth (not injury related)

Would like to see Saffold extended (and Whiteworth and Suh.) Don’t care about his age. Playing guard is power, technique, smarts, not fast twitch sprints. Saffold is in his prime and playing at a very high level.

 

[RamWoodie]

?

Let me spell it out for you. The Rams have played 4 games. Barron has played in none. Obviously we know what he can do BUT there are new faces in this defense and he's not played with them.

It's not as simple as "just get out there" you have to blend with others, know their tendencies on the field, and communicate well with them. That takes time...and that's my point. I'm happy to see Barron back.

 

[ReekofRams]

In today's press conference McVay said Barron will start against Seattle.


Edit: Jojo Natson has also been cleared to play, so he'll handle the return duties against Seattle.

 

[bubbaramfan]

Good team to get Barron his first start. Let him chase Wilson around a little, maybe blitz him a few times, get a couple of picks.. Nice tune up.

 

[Prime Time]

View: https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1048328225057853440


View: https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1048348090111905792

 

[hotanez]

View: https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1048328225057853440


View: https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1048348090111905792

Wow, sounds like it's a day to day with Barron and will continue the whole season. The part where he says he feels functional doesn't sound very encouraging. Hope he can start playing and continue playing this season.

 

[1maGoh]

By 2013 he was over 330 plus lbs & he was called "BeatleJuice" because he was so large.

I've always wondered why people called him Beatlejuice. I'm still curious though, what does being large have to do with Beatlejuice?

 

[RamBall]

Does that mean that RW is the reason for so many sacks? After this week the the crack head will have to drop them to 25 in his ranking.

 

[BonifayRam]

I've always wondered why people called him Beatlejuice. I'm still curious though, what does being large have to do with Beatlejuice?

Watch the whole tube I think you will understand

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fj_inlzsDhQ

 

[1maGoh]

Watch the whole tube I think you will understand

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fj_inlzsDhQ

So you're saying he went to a witch doctor?

I get it now. A little obscure, but it makes sense.

 

[BonifayRam]

Ian Rapoport: Los Angeles Rams linebacker Mark Barron “should start today”

https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/...k-barron-should-start-week-5-seattle-seahawks

It appears Mark Barron is set to make his 2018 season debut in Seattle on Sunday
By Brandon Bate@NoPlanB_ Oct 7, 2018, 3:32am CDT

The Los Angeles Rams (4-0) look to get a boost on Sunday, as starting inside linebacker Mark Barron is set to make his 2018 NFL season debut against the Seattle Seahawks (2-2). Barron has missed the first four weeks of the season as he’s been dealing with a lingering achilles injury.

A source told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Sunday morning - approximately 12 hours before kickoff - that Barron “looks” ready to make the start:

Ram LB Mark Barron, who has dealt with an ankle injury, practiced well this week and should start today, source said. Barring a setback, he’s ready to make his season debut.

This is obviously great news for the Rams and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips though, in an effort to not cause a setback, they may opt to ease him to the lineup by limiting his snaps.

It’s hard to say if Barron is 100%, but the training staff have obviously given him the green light. In his post-practice interview on Friday, Barron himself didn’t even sound positive about his status, describing himself as day-to-day and stating he’d test it pre-game to get a better feel.

When asked if he felt good, he said “I feel functional. I feel like I could go out and perform if I needed to.” Click the previous link, head to the 1:40 mark, and tell me if Mark Barron sounds like he’s actually confident.