Here is what we know about the injury sustained by the Los Angeles Rams‘ third-year cornerback, Cobie Durant: He suffered a lung bruise during the team’s victory over the Buffalo Bills. While as a human being, Durant is OK, his recovery timeline is currently unknown, but it should be mentioned that Durant has not been added to the injured reserve.
Durant played a good amount of the game — on the field for 50 of the 60 defensive snaps — and given the insane amount of passing yards that were given up to Josh Allen and the Bill offense, he played well — giving up just three catches on eight targets for just 26 yards.
Rams Will Look To Forbes While Durant Heals
But now facing a quick turnaround having to play the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football, it seems unlikely that Durant will make it back to full health in under four full days of recovery.
Earlier this month the Rams took a flyer on the 16th overall pick in the 2023 draft, cornerback Emmanuel Forbes. Forbes was cut by the Washington Commanders after he played just three games for the team this season.
Ahead of the Bills game, head coach Sean McVay said that Forbes would not play citing Forbes’ unfamiliarity with the defense and playbook as the reasons behind his decision.
But now in light of Durant’s injury, that may have to be fast-tracked. The Rams already have a lack of depth at the position, in part due to season-ending injuries to Tre’ Tomlinson and Derion Kendrick. This has forced them to rely heavily on Ahkello Witherspoon, whose decline in play is palpable, and undrafted rookie Josh Wallace.
McVay told reporters that Durant’s injury “could definitely impact Emmanuel Forbes and some of the things we do.”
It seems Forbes will be put to the test sooner than later for the Rams. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing will be revealed on Thursday.
The Rams coverage unit is currently graded as the 5th worst by Pro Football Focus. They have given up the 8th most passing yards, the 7th most passing touchdowns, and the second most yards per passing attempt this season.
