Los Angeles Rams Emerging Young Star Shares Critical Injury Update

Braden Fiske’s breakout rookie campaign was interrupted by a knee injury suffered during the Los Angeles Rams’ divisional-round playoff loss to the Eagles. The setback required a minor surgical procedure, but as head coach Sean McVay indicated back in January, there was little concern it would linger into the 2025 season.

That optimism has proven well-founded.

Not only is Fiske back on the field, but he’s also ahead of schedule. The second-year defensive lineman has been an active participant in Phase 3 of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), taking part in individual drills and moving without limitation.

Braden Fiske Returns Fully Healthy, Ready to Anchor Los Angeles Rams’ Defensive Line in 2025

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“I’m feeling great right now,” Fiske said last week. “Everything went as planned. We’re even ahead of the process now compared to where I thought I’d be. I’m full go—moving, doing everything—and feeling great.”

Fiske’s return represents a major boost for the Rams, who are relying on their young defensive core more than ever following the retirement of Aaron Donald. As a rookie, Fiske started the first three games of the season, experienced a brief dip in playing time, and then emerged as a key contributor down the stretch. He led the team with 8.5 sacks, earned a nomination for Defensive Rookie of the Year, and solidified his role as a fixture along the defensive front—though the award ultimately went to his teammate, Jared Verse.

With both Verse and Fiske returning, the Rams enter 2025 with two emerging stars up front. Fiske, in particular, will be counted on to build upon his rookie success and help fill the massive void left by Donald. His pairing with Kobie Turner, a third-round pick in 2023 who has also impressed early in his career, gives Los Angeles a cost-effective and potentially dominant interior tandem.

The progress of Fiske’s recovery was recently featured in Behind the Grind, the team’s behind-the-scenes series. In the first episode, cameras captured a pivotal rehab milestone as Fiske completed a burst drill for the first time since surgery. “It was the first time I really took off and sprinted,” he recalled. “It wasn’t even a full sprint—just a quick five-step burst—but that’s when I knew: we’re feeling good again.”

That small moment, he said, gave him a jolt of confidence and served as a reminder that his “superpower” was intact.

Now healthy, re-energized, and motivated, Fiske is setting high expectations for Year 2. “Especially from where I left off last season and how I feel going into this one, I feel great,” he said. “I’m ready to roll. The sky’s the limit.”

If Fiske’s performance matches his confidence, the Rams’ young defense could once again punch above its weight—and make another deep playoff run.

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