Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Rams 'Expect' DB Lake Back from Injury vs. Commanders

Originally posted on FanNation Ram Digest
By Daniel Flick | Last updated 12/12/23

The Los Angeles Rams have been without safety Quentin Lake for each of the past three games as he battles through a hamstring injury.

But according to Rams coach Sean McVay, Lake has a strong chance to return this Sunday, when Los Angeles (6-7) hosts the Washington Commanders (4-9).

“It was close because he’s done such a good job, but I expect him to be back this week,” McVay said. “He’s done a phenomenal job working his rehab and it'll be a boost to be able to get him back in the mix and what he adds to our secondary.”

The 24-year-old Lake had played in each of the Rams' first 10 games before his injury, drawing two starts and making 33 total tackles.

McVay delivered injury updates on a handful of other Rams, including right tackle Rob Havenstein, long snapper Alex Ward and receivers TuTu Atwell and Ben Skowronek.

Havenstein suffered a groin strain in Los Angeles' 37-31 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday and is day-to-day this week.

“We'll see what that looks like,” McVay said. “He wanted to come back (Sunday), but with the elements and the weather and different things like that ... (OL) Joe (Noteboom) did a nice job stepping up in his absence, but it's always great to be able to have your captain up front in there and so we'll take it day-to-day with him.”

Ward suffered a stinger and had to leave the game early. The Rams were awaiting Ward's trip to see a specialist Monday afternoon following McVay's press conference, meaning more information will be available Wednesday.

Atwell is in concussion protocol, with McVay noting he felt better Monday, but Los Angeles will still have him go through the necessary steps ahead of Sunday.

The picture is slightly clearer for Skowronek, who's dealing with injuries to both his ankle and back and could potentially miss Wednesday's practice.

McVay also announced tight end Hunter Long sustained an MCL injury and will be out for the rest of the season, vaulting rookie fifth-round pick Davis Allen into a bigger role.

Kickoff between the Rams and Commanders is set for 1:05 p.m. PST Sunday inside SoFi Stadium.

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

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