The Los Angeles Rams lost versatile veteran safety Quentin Lake to an elbow injury that required surgery. However, there is a sliver of hope that the Rams will get their utility man back before all is said and done this season.
Lake is a two-time team captain. He drew praise from Rams head coach Sean McVay as the latter lamented losing the DB at all.
The Rams have one simple enough task to ensure Lake has an opportunity to return.
Rams S Quentin Lake Could Return for Playoffs
GettyKamren Kinchens #26 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates an interception against the Seattle Seahawks with teammates Nate Landman #53, Quentin Lake #37, and Byron Young #0.
Lake is in his fourth season with the Rams and second as a starter, highlighting how significant a loss he is how impactful his return could be, so long as the Rams extend their season.
“#Rams S Quentin Lake had successful surgery yesterday to repair an elbow injury, per me and @MikeGarafolo, though there is a good chance for Lake to return later this season in the playoffs,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on November 19.
“A key part of a top defense, Lake’s return would be important.”
Garafolo called Lake a “big loss” who has had an “excellent season” for the Rams, noting the hope for the safety’s return.
Lake was the No. 211 overall pick of the 2022 draft. He has 61 total tackles, 10 pass deflections, 1.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 recovery, and 1 interception this season. For his career, Lake has 235 combined stops, 4.0 sacks, 2 recoveries, 1 pick, and 1 force.
His injury interrupts what had been an extension-worthy campaign.
Quentin Lake Facing Uncertain Future
GettyQuentin Lake #37 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on before a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Lake is third on the Rams in defensive snaps played and tackles. He earned the sixth-best grade on that side of the ball for LA, per Pro Football Focus.
Still, there are questions about his future with the organization. His four-year, $3.8 million rookie-scale contract is set to expire at the end of this season. His injury only further complicates the situation in which the Rams have a noteworthy track record.
“The safety position has a lot of depth but is not as top-heavy as last free agency,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote on November 12. “He’s a team captain, plays every snap, plays multiple positions and has ball production in a contract year. The Rams have interest in extending Lake but have also shown a penchant for letting key defensive players on the back seven walk.”
Fowler noted that “multiple” rival executives view Lake as the “most versatile” pending FA safety.
That could make his price tag quickly rise, and quickly. Perhaps even to a level at which the Rams are more comfortable attempting to reload, just as they did in finding and developing Lake.
Sean McVay Opens Up About Quentin Lake
GettyQuentin Lake #37 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.
Rams teammates and fellow safeties Kam Curl and Kamren Kinchens both expressed their support for Lake.
McVay praised Lake as a valuable piece of the Rams’ puzzle.
“You don’t replace a Quentin Lake. He’s so valuable for so many reasons. With what he can do, with who he is as a human, with the way that he elevates and leads. He’s a glue guy for us,” McVay told reporters on November 17. “That’s obviously a big loss, and we love him.
“I think it would be insincere to think that you’re going to ask somebody to do the things that he’s capable of. It’s what makes him so special.”
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