Cooper, Spruce doubtful for Rams; Jared Goff's status uncertain

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Alden Gonzalez
ESPN Staff Writer
http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angele...oubtful-for-rams-jared-goffs-status-uncertain



Los Angeles Rams rookie receivers Pharoh Cooper and Nelson Spruce returned to practice this week, but both were listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from Raymond James Stadium.

As for whether Jared Goff will be the backup quarterback again?

"Come to the game," Rams coach Jeff Fisher said after Friday's practice from Cal Lutheran University.

Goff, the No. 1 overall pick, began the season as an inactive third-string quarterback, then flipped with Sean Mannion and served as the backup to Case Keenum for Week 2. Fisher said at the time he wasn't certain if he would continue to alternate Goff and Mannion in that role, but did confirm Friday that only one of them will be active. Asked whether the depth chart would remain the same in Week 3, Fisher said: "Don't know yet. Have to wait and see."

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E.J. Gaines, who missed the first two games with an injury to his left thigh and was listed as questionable on the team's injury report Friday. Gaines was a limited participant for the Rams' three practices this week and, if healthy, would solidify a No. 2 cornerback spot that has been in a flux. It is especially crucial this week, with running back Doug Martin out for the Rams and quarterback Jameis Winston expected to throw the ball frequently.

If not Gaines, Troy Hill -- a 5-foot-10, 182-pound second-year corner out of Oregon -- will probably start on the outside, opposite Trumaine Johnson.

Hill replaced Coty Sensabaugh early in Sunday's 9-3 win over the Seattle Seahawks and was tested deep four times by Russell Wilson. One resulted in a defensive pass interference, another was an offensive pass interference, another was a batted ball and the last one was a 53-yard hookup with Tyler Lockett with less than a minute remaining, Hill's desperation ankle tackle the only thing preventing a game-winning score.

Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said Hill "got thrown in the fire" on Sunday and felt he "adapted well."

"He's got a few plays he'd want back," Williams said, "but he did play well and it says good things about him."

Some additional notes from Friday's practice ...

  • Third-down running back Benny Cunningham was also listed as questionable for Sunday's game with a knee injury, as were free safetyMaurice Alexander (thigh) and slot cornerback Lamarcus Joyner (foot). They all practiced on a limited basis throughout the week.

  • The Rams waived Steve Williams and promoted fellow cornerback Isaiah Johnson from the practice squad. Williams was signed a couple of weeks earlier after being waived by the San Diego Chargers. Johnson spent last season with the Detroit Lions.

  • Williams, on Joyner playing through a broken toe in Week 2 (something he vows to continue doing): "That’s what you’re supposed to do. If you’re on the golf tour, maybe you take a day off. But you don’t do it in this league. Russell Wilson didn’t take a day off, and Lamarcus doesn’t take a day off. The reason he’s here is we saw that in him. It doesn’t surprise me at all. He’s a very strong-willed, tough kid, and that’s the nature of our business. When you’re not that way, you’re not very good.”

  • Fisher called the Bucs waiving tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins after he wasarrested for a DUI charge on Friday morning "very unfortunate." "It’s just a great example -- players need to make better choices, you know. [It] hurt the football team."
 

blackbart

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Wow I had not heard about them waiving ASJ. 2nd DUI though so I guess they had had enough
 

LACHAMP46

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Been reading up on this Isiah Johnson...thought I remembered him....I thought I read he could also play corner....

http://www.si.com/nfl/draft/2015/analysis/543530
The Yellow Jackets' all-time leader in tackles by a defensive back, Johnson boasts good quickness and speed to go with his size and physicality. He excels against the run and plays effectively downhill, with strong tackling technique and a good first step to the ball. His six picks - two of which he returned for touchdowns - along with 10 passes defensed indicate coverage and ballhawking abilities.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/archive/1737351
Johnson may not be a flashy safety, but he's an underrated athlete with desirable size and good speed who plays physical in the box and demonstrates good instincts both in coverage and against the run. He redirects well, has a strong first-step downhill and plays physical while maintaining good technique as a tackler. And although he's not a vacuum, Johnson has been a better-than-fair playmaker as a pass defender with five career interceptions including two that were returned for touchdowns. He's also been a dean's list student and has been active in his community, so he comes with desirable character qualities
http://walterfootball.com/draft2015S.php
image: http://walterfootball.com/college/GeorgiaTech_logo.gif

GeorgiaTech_logo.gif
Isaiah Johnson, S, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-2. Weight: 213.
Projected 40 Time: 4.57.
Projected Round (2015): 7-FA.
4/25/15: Johnson had 72 tackles with an interception and five passes broken up in 2014. He didn't participate in the Combine.

8/27/14: Johnson decided to take a medical redshirt in 2013. He was one of Georgia Tech's best defenders in 2012, leading the defense with 87 tackles. The junior also had a sack, an interception, a forced fumble and 4.5 tackles for a loss. Johnson tore his ACL in practice that December.

Johnson has some quickness to go along with size and physicality. He was consistent throughout 2011, making 78 tackles, three interceptions, three tackles for a loss, one sack and three passes broken up. He had 46 tackles and three tackles for a loss, one interception, one forced fumble and one sack as a true freshman in 2010.

Johnson is still developing and has some real upside heading into his senior year - provided he can come back healthy.

Personal: Majoring in management. Academic standout. Son of Nathan and Dominica.
Remember him a little....Georgia vs Ga. Tech...think he played against Gurley......
 

A55VA6

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"Jared had a great week last week, it was really good for him to know he was only a snap away, a play away from playing, and we're going to continue with that" - Fisher on Mason & Ireland this week.

Sounds like to me, Goff is the backup..
 

BonifayRam

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Guess with FS Mo Alexander questionable Cody Davis will most likely see a ton of plays if the Bucs can not get their running game working. There's a good chance that newby SS Isaiah Johnson will dress to give TJ McDonald a rest in the Humidature of south west Florida if need be. I would bet that EJ Gaines will dress & see a small amount of action on the outside behind Johnson & Hill.

The knee injury on RB Benny Cunningham is new to me. One would think that we might see more of TA in the back field some. But we do know that Malcolm Brown can be a good third down back too & he has some nice hands. I look forward to see what they do now that Benny is hurt. They could use more Brown on 2nd down & get Gurley some action in 3rd down for a change?
 

DaveFan'51

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Wow I had not heard about them waiving ASJ. 2nd DUI though so I guess they had had enough
I hadn't heard that either, but I guess he's been a "Problem-Child!"! Staying out until 4:00am Drinking won't when you a lot of Friends in High places!!(y);)
 

JackDRams

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Fisher isn't saying much about the backup QB yet because he doesn't want anyone to know that Case is the backup and Goff is starting this weekend.
 

dolphinlover123

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Fisher isn't saying much about the backup QB yet because he doesn't want anyone to know that Case is the backup and Goff is starting this weekend.
I heard that the staff is divided between Case and Mannion actually.
 

Dodgersrf

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Wow I had not heard about them waiving ASJ. 2nd DUI though so I guess they had had enough
Read a report earlier this season stating he was in the doghouse anyway. Sounds like he didn't put the time in to learn the playbook
 

CGI_Ram

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Not having Cooper and Spruce is a bummer. These guys need reps. The Rams could use their mojo.
 

FRO

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I think it will be Mannion. I think Fisher even mentioned rotating Goff and Mannionas the two. I think both of them are better than the starter, but it is what it is.
 

den-the-coach

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It would be nice to see Sean in a real NFL game.

I concur I feel Mannion has the better arm and is bigger and seemed to improve his footwork as well, but right now it seems that Fisher is playing everything close to the vest for some reason.