The Los Angeles Rams will be without their top defensive back for a while.
In Sunday’s win over the Seattle Seahawks, Quentin Lake suffered an elbow injury. It was severe enough to require surgery, which he had on Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The procedure was a success and “there is a good chance for Lake to return later this season in the playoffs.”
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network noted that “there is hope he’s back before or during the playoffs,” so it’s possible he could return before the end of the regular season.
It’s encouraging to hear Lake could return for a playoff run, but his loss will certainly hurt the defense for the next several weeks. He plays every snap on defense when healthy and as a team captain, he’s one of the leaders in the secondary.
The Rams used Josh Wallace to replace Lake after he went down on Sunday, while also giving Kamren Kinchens more snaps in his absence. Roger McCreary is another option to play the slot like Lake does, as can Cobie Durant.
Sean McVay said earlier this week that “you don’t replace a Quentin Lake,” noting how valuable he is as a playmaker and as a leader on defense.
“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,” McVay said. “He’s a glue guy for us. If he is out, that’s obviously a big loss and we love him but we’ll have to figure out what is the next best thing for us to be able to do.”
Lake has played all 10 games this season and has recorded 61 tackles, two of which went for a loss. He also picked off the first pass of his career against the Ravens in Week 6 and has finished with 11 tackles in two separate games this year.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams DB Quentin Lake underwent elbow surgery, could still return this season
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
