The Los Angeles Rams are heading into a short week with multiple injury concerns. According to Greg Beacham of the Associated Press, rookie defensive tackle Braden Fiske is officially listed as questionable with an ankle injury after not practicing Monday. Fiske has started all 14 games this season and has yet to miss a contest in his two-year NFL career.
Adding to the Rams’ injury headaches, star wide receiver Davante Adams is now listed as doubtful to play Thursday against the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Sean McVay described both players’ situations as “day to day” and said the team will monitor their availability right up to game time.
“Braden Fiske came out of the game with a little soreness in his ankle and got banged up,” McVay said Monday. “We’ll take it day to day with those guys [Fiske and Adams]. Based on the practice projection, they’ll both be DNPs, but we’ll take it all the way up to game time and see where they’re at. At this point, I’m not ruling anyone out.”
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Sunday’s Injury Moment
Fiske appeared to get stepped on during the second half against Detroit, requiring attention from the training staff before returning to the bench. Postgame, Adam Grosbard of the Orange County Register noted Fiske was walking with a noticeable limp in the locker room, his left ankle heavily wrapped—a sign that the quick four-day turnaround may be challenging.
Production Trends
Despite the ankle concern, Fiske still contributed three tackles and a quarterback hit on Sunday. For the season, he now has two sacks, three tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits—a dip from his 8.5-sack rookie campaign. Analysts note his overall impact remains nuanced: while pass-rush production has slowed, Fiske’s run defense has improved, showing steadier gap control and fewer yards allowed per carry.
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Depth Options if Fiske Sits
Should Fiske be limited or sidelined, the Rams have rotational options. Kobie Turner, who has already surpassed Fiske in sacks this season with 5.5, would likely see increased snaps. Tyler Davis could also see an expanded role; though less prolific as a pass rusher, he has been consistent against the run and provides reliable interior depth.
Development and Consistency
On the Rams LAFB Show, analyst Jon Ledyard highlighted Fiske’s uneven sophomore season. “Is Fiske going to be that guy? … He’s been really hit or miss this season,” Ledyard said. He praised Fiske’s athleticism and timing but noted that when the “havoc” around him is limited, Fiske struggles to dominate physically.
Fiske’s reliance on agility over raw power has led to splash plays but also inconsistency. “The biggest issue I have with Fiske is he’s on the floor a lot,” Ledyard added, referencing pocket integrity concerns that can hamper the team’s collective rush.
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Stakes Ahead
Whether Fiske suits up Thursday, the broader conversation around his growth remains. The Rams need him to be reliable within a rotation, even if he isn’t a star every week. For now, McVay and the team will continue the day-to-day approach, balancing health and performance as the playoff race tightens.
“Even if the larger sample size gives you some reasons to be concerned,” Ledyard said, “you could see him make one or two splash plays in a big playoff game.”