The Los Angeles Rams added veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon to their injury report Thursday with a knee issue, as he did not practice, per Adam Grosbard. Entering his ninth NFL season, Witherspoon is the most senior member of a Rams secondary largely unchanged from last year’s NFC divisional round team.
This offseason marked the first time Witherspoon participated in a full training camp with the Rams. After signing one-year deals in 2023 and 2024, he never had the benefit of a complete offseason program. “Man, this is a good place,” Witherspoon said of his March 2025 signing. “This is an opportunity to build on those connections and those relationships.”
Ahkello Witherspoon Added to Rams Injury Report
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Defensive coordinator Chris Shula praised Witherspoon’s growth over the years. “He gets better throughout the season, and you saw how he played at the end of last year,” Shula said. “Based off the offseason and training camp, we hope he can pick up where he left off. His communication was already elite, and we expect it to be even better.”
Witherspoon’s late-2024 performance was critical, including five of his six pass breakups over the final six games and a Week 17 interception against the Cardinals that helped secure a playoff berth. His presence provides experience and stability alongside Darious Williams, Cobie Durant, and Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
“Guys just play calmer and better when they’re in there with him,” Shula said, calling Witherspoon “almost like the Yoda of the position group.” The cornerback emphasized communication and trust, noting that understanding teammates’ tendencies allows the defense to play faster and more aggressively.
Despite the injury designation, Witherspoon remains a cornerstone for the Rams’ 2025 campaign. His combination of experience, leadership, and late-season production will be key if quarterback Matthew Stafford returns healthy, as Los Angeles looks to contend for another deep postseason run.