St. Louis Rams Smart to Start Slow With Todd Gurley
When #Rams hit training camp, RB Todd Gurley (ACL) expected to be on Non-Football Injury list, which was the plan. Can take him off whenever
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 21, 2015
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, St. Louis Rams No. 10 overall Todd Gurley will start training camp on the Non-Football-Injury list. This doesn’t mean the running back has had a setback as his rehab from a torn ACL is still coming along very well. The team has always been noncommittal about Gurley being ready for camp, wanting to make sure he’s right.
That was the team’s plan when they drafted him, and they can take him off the list whenever he is fully ready. There’s no reason why the Rams should rush Gurley back when they have last year’s second best rookie running back in the league in Tre Mason. When you have a luxury like that, you have to take care of the player that will soon be the face of your franchise.
Gurley starting the season on time increases his chances of picking up rookie accolades but puts him at risk of getting hurt. Starting late will eliminate him from the rookie accolades but will make him more likely to make it through the season. And Gurley being fresh down the stretch of the season to carry the load will serve the Rams well.
Head coach Jeff Fisher needs to win something soon and Gurley’s health is a key factor in doing so.
So it’s not smart to rush him back.