The Los Angeles Rams have unlocked fourth-year defensive back Quentin Lake this season. However, all of that may be in jeopardy.
Lake picked up an injury in Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Rams’ head coach announced the unfortunate news during his day-after press conference. He spoke candidly about what Lake has meant to the team this season. Lake has filled a variety of roles on the field.
Rams HC Sean McVay Delivers Bad News About Quentin Lake
GettyKamren Kinchens #26 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates an interception against the Seattle Seahawks with teammate Quentin Lake #37.
Lake was the No. 211 overall pick of the 2022 draft, and he is in his second season as a starter for the Rams. He entered Week 11 with 58 total tackles, 1.0 sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, and 1 recovery, adding 3 more stops against the Seahawks and a message after.
“RAMMSSSS WINNNNN !!!!!” Lake posted on X on November 16.
Unfortunately for Lake and the Rams, it might be the last game that the young veteran safety participates in this season.
“Looked like his elbow was caught in a weird spot. Get an MRI, and see what that says. But I think because of how tough he is, the feelings are that it might be some time. And not great for our captain and leader, and bummed out for him,” McVay told reporters on November 17. “
“I think, probably safe for me to wait until I get with Reggie [Scott] and talk to he and Dr. [Neal] ElAttrache, and kind of really see the totality of it all. But I don’t want to put the cart before the horse. But it’s probably going to be some time for him. Whether he’s on IR, or whether this represents a season-ending injury, or whether he ends up having to get surgery, all those things I’ll kind of need a little bit more information to give you true clarity there.”
McVay said he is confident in who they have in the absence of a“glue guy” in Lake.
However, McVay admitted that it would be “insincere” to believe one player could replace Lake has for them. He said, “It’s what makes him special.”
McVay also announced that wide receiver Xavier Smith is in concussion protocol. McVay believes the second-year player will be fine. Tight end Tyler Higbee picked up an ankle injury, and the Rams are in wait-and-see mode on him.
The focus was on Lake, though.
Rams Teammate Sends Fitting Message About Quentin Lake
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.
McVay has raved about Lake before, noting the versatile safety’s value in coverage and run defense. However, Lake’s Rams teammates also appreciate his impact, as his two-time captaincy and fellow safety Kam Curl’s comments would suggest.
“We spinning bout Cap,” Curl posted on X on November 16, underscoring the loss.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen wrote on November 12 that Lake is “an interchangeable safety with matchup traits in the slot, Lake brings both versatility and ball disruption to the field. He has one interception and nine pass breakups, plus he has added a sack, forced fumble and five pressures. He’s around the ball for a reason.”
“This stings for the Rams, obviously, but also some brutal timing in Quentin Lake’s life as this is a contract year. The safety market can be hard to crack but he was having a great season,” The Athletic’s Nate Atkins posted on X on November 17. “But we’ll hear how long-term the injury is on Wednesday after the MRI.”
Quentin Lake’s Future in Question
GettyQuentin Lake #37 of the Los Angeles Rams runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens.
Lake seemed like a lock for an extension amid his strong performance this season. He is third on the team in combined tackles and defensive snap share, per Pro Football Reference.
However, there were questions about how the Rams might proceed with Lake even before the injury. That is even as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted “multiple executives” considering him “the most versatile of the bunch” in the upcoming free agency class.
“The safety position has a lot of depth but is not as top-heavy as last free agency,” Fowler wrote in the same article. “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.”
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