The Los Angeles Rams have placed cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon on injured reserve following a broken clavicle sustained during their victory over the Tennessee Titans on September 24, 2023. This injury will sideline the veteran defensive player for a minimum of four games, although recovery for collarbone injuries typically ranges from six to twelve weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Head coach Sean McVay expressed that Witherspoon’s absence is a significant setback for the team. The Rams improved their record to 2-0 after defeating Tennessee 33-19, but the loss of Witherspoon adds pressure to their defensive strategy. The 30-year-old cornerback was in his third season with the Rams and had started both games this season, contributing three tackles and one pass deflection prior to his injury.
Witherspoon sustained the injury in the second quarter of the game against the Titans and was quickly ruled out. Throughout his nine-year career in the NFL, he has played in 92 games, starting 64 of them. His tenure includes stints with the San Francisco 49ers from 2017 to 2020 and the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2021 to 2022. He has recorded a total of 238 tackles, 12 interceptions—one of which was returned for a touchdown—59 passes defended, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
As the Rams adapt their lineup, they have several options to fill the void left by Witherspoon. Emmanuel Forbes, Cobie Durant, and Darious Williams are all candidates for the cornerback position. Forbes has already started in both games this season, while Williams made his season debut on Sunday in relief of Witherspoon.
The Rams will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their upcoming matchups, aiming to maintain their winning momentum despite this critical loss on defense.
