WOODLAND HILLS — The Rams took to the practice field Thursday morning to get in a 90-minute scrimmage ahead of the league’s mandated three-day rest period.
It served as the last practice before heading into Week 1 of the regular season, with the Rams preparing for their season-opening opponent, the Houston Texans, whom they’ll face Sept. 7 at SoFi Stadium.
The extended scrimmage allowed for the first-team offense and defense to get in plenty of reps before heading into the weekend.
“I think we took a step in the right direction. We tried to simulate a game, our starters got a little over 50 snaps, got a bunch of different situations, different parts of the field, some sudden changes,” head coach Sean McVay said. “Thought we handled it really well. Wasn’t perfect, but I think when we’re going first offense versus first defense, there’s a high caliber of ball that you feel good about. Thought it was a great job being able to finish out this week, have three days of rest, recovery, rejuvenation and come back for the bonus Monday ready to roll.”
The scrimmage also served as the culmination of a week of practice in which almost the entire team was able to participate.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford was out there, donning a red jersey, slinging the ball like he hadn’t missed a beat.
Offensive lineman Alaric Jackson, who has been dealing with blood clots in his leg, was also out on the field watching the scrimmage.
Jackson has been able to partake in individual drills and jog-throughs throughout training camp, but McVay said he’ll be ready to go in practice Monday, and therefore could be ready to play against the Texans.
“Everybody was back out there today so that was a real positive. I think we’re getting healthy at the right time,” McVay said. “Alaric Jackson will be out there on Monday, he will also be a full participant. If the plans go accordingly on Wednesday and Thursday and take part in the walk-through on Friday. So excited to be able to get him back out there as well.”
CAPTAINS NAMED
The team selected its captains for the season – three on offense, three on defense and one on special teams.
Stafford, running back Kyren Williams and tackle Rob Havenstein were selected on offense, with safety Quentin Lake, end Kobie Turner and linebacker Nate Landman on defense. Punter Ethan Evans was voted as the special teams captain.
“Those seven guys will do an excellent job, but we’ve got a lot of other great leaders as well and I think that was reflected in their teammates’ votes,” McVay said. “Happy for those guys. It’s well earned and well deserved.”
Six of the seven captains selected have been with the team for at least the past two seasons. Perhaps the only surprise is Landman, who is in his first season with the Rams after playing with the Atlanta Falcons the past three years.
But it wasn’t a surprise to McVay, who said Landman has learned the Rams’ system quickly and shown leadership qualities since he arrived, earning his spot as a team leader.
“I think it says a lot about him. I think he has really high emotional intelligence in terms of, to come in, be able to ask questions, to really be able to get familiar with his teammates and then being able to pick and choose his spots to be able to lead,” McVay said. “He understands what we’re really trying to get done, what [defensive coordinator] Chris [Shula] is trying to get done. I’m really pleased with him and he’s been a great addition for us.”