Morgan Fox Tears ACL

LA Rams Stadium
Hollywood Park Photo Credit: Ron Reiring - Under Creative Commons License

The Rams resumed their voluntary OTAs and with it came another major injury. Defensive end Morgan Fox tore his ACL, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Fox is in his third year and appeared in one game during his rookie season. He became a key player on the defensive line last year appearing in all 16 games. He compiled 19 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. His ascent is remarkable considering he was an undrafted rookie out of Colorado State-Pueblo.

Morgan Fox is a key loss for a Rams unit that might be loaded on the interior of the defensive line but is lacking with outside rushers. Michael Brockers is their starter but Fox would’ve played a key role in the rotation. The injury to Fox comes on the heels of the injury to rookie pass rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. Okoronkwo, at least, is projected to come back for the start of training camp. Unfortunately, Fox is done for the year.

For all the moves the Rams made to upgrade their defense, they were in dire need of linebackers and edge rushers. That problem has now been exacerbated by losing Morgan Fox for the season. The Rams will have to turn to the oft-injured Dominique Easley and rookie John Franklin. This injury underscores why Aaron Donald was right to skip voluntary OTAs. Donald most likely will take this as a reason to avoid OTAs altogether and hope he gets a deal at the start of training camp.

The Rams managed to largely avoid the injury bug last year but this season appears to be different. To make matters worse, the Rams don’t have the ability to bring in any veteran rushers given their cap situation. Morgan Fox might not be one of the Rams marquee defenders but his loss will be felt all season.