Rams Corner Derion Kendrick Returns to Practice

Originally posted on FanNation Ram Digest
By Matt Galatzan | Last updated 10/19/23

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick was arrested on Monday on a felony weapons charge, throwing not only his status for Week 7, but the rest of the season into question.

And after a week of speculation and waiting, there is still no clarity as to his status for the Rams vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday.

However, things may be moving in a positive direction for Kendrick after he returned to practice on Thursday. That said, Kendrick only participated in team walkthroughs, and not the full practice, per a team spokesman.

It will still be up to Sean McVay whether or not Kendrick suits up this weekend, according to Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.

Kendrick has started every game this season, recording 25 tackles, three passes defended and two tackles for loss. He's been targeted 30 times and allowed only 15 receptions for 134 yards, per Pro Football Reference.

The first name McVay mentioned was Tomlinson, a sixth-round rookie who's played only 13 total snaps on defense but has seen extended special teams action, taking 123 snaps, or 76 percent.

Tomlinson's made five total tackles this season and arrived in Los Angeles with strong pedigree, having won the Jim Thorpe Award given annually to college football's best defensive back last season while starring during TCU's run to the national championship game.

Shelley gives the Rams more professional experience, as he's played in 47 games with 11 starts since entering the league as a sixth-round pick in 2019.

Like Tomlinson, Shelley has primarily played special teams, seeing 94 snaps there as opposed to just 17 on defense. He's recorded two tackles and defended a pair of passes in his first season with the Rams.

This article first appeared on FanNation Ram Digest and was syndicated with permission.

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