The Los Angeles Rams were dealt a significant blow Sunday when starting right cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon exited their Week 2 matchup against the Tennessee Titans with a shoulder injury, according to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. Witherspoon did not record a stat before leaving in the second quarter and was never deemed questionable to return, a concerning signal regarding the severity of the injury.
In Witherspoon’s absence, the team shifted Cobie Durant onto the field opposite Emmanuel Forbes Jr., with Darious Williams likely to see additional snaps as well. Nate Atkins of The Athletic noted that Forbes will now take on the role of the Rams’ “top outside corner,” a critical assignment given the Titans’ receiving threats.
From Week 1 Praise to Sunday Setback
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Witherspoon’s injury comes just one week after he earned widespread recognition for his Week 1 performance against the Houston Texans. Former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman, now a television analyst, publicly praised Witherspoon on social media.
“Ok @ahkello!! 🔒🔒🔒” Sherman tweeted, signaling his approval of the veteran cornerback’s efforts.
Sherman’s praise carries weight, as he is intimately familiar with elite NFL cornerback play and the challenges of defending top-tier receivers. Witherspoon, in his third season with the Rams, had the benefit of a full summer of preparation this year—something he didn’t fully experience in prior seasons—and was expected to be a standout in 2025. His Week 1 performance, holding the Texans to just 151 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception, validated that expectation.
The Rams’ secondary had been deliberately constructed to optimize the strengths of all starters. Witherspoon and Forbes—both taller corners—worked alongside Cobie Durant, safeties Kam Curl and Kam Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough, and Quentin Lake to stifle the Texans’ passing game. The result was a defensive showing that exceeded expectations and earned recognition even from a former rival like Sherman.
Implications for the Rams
Sunday’s injury underscores the fragility of NFL rosters, particularly in a position as crucial as cornerback. Witherspoon’s absence will test the depth and cohesion of a secondary that showed tremendous promise in Week 1. Offensive coordinators facing the Rams will likely attempt to exploit the adjustment, but the unit’s Week 1 performance suggests they are capable of adapting.
As the season progresses, monitoring Witherspoon’s recovery will be a priority. His health not only impacts the defensive strategy but also influences how opponents game-plan against a secondary that has already proven it can frustrate high-powered passing attacks.
Injuries are part of football, but for the Rams, losing a player of Witherspoon’s caliber—even temporarily—adds a new layer of challenge in their pursuit of consistent defensive dominance this season.
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