Rams hope Trent McDuffie can play this week vs. Raiders

The Los Angeles Rams are eagerly awaiting the return of star cornerback Trent McDuffie for their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders, despite a string of injuries at the start of Week 7. Head coach Sean McVay has reported that McDuffie is feeling better and making progress, but the team cannot confirm his availability until he completes his weekly preparation.

McDuffie had been sidelined with a groin issue sustained during practice last Thursday. With McDuffie sidelined, fellow cornerbacks Jaylen Watson and Josh Wallace were forced to play each snap, while Emmanuel Forbes Jr. saw increased playing time, logging 16 snaps. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. played no defensive snaps during the previous week.

Safety Tank McCollough and Kam Kinchens also made appearances, with McCollough playing 32 snaps and Kinchens contributing to 48 out of the 72 total defensive snaps. If McDuffie is able to play, his skills in the slot will be crucial due to the Raiders' dual-threat tight ends, Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. During the season, McDuffie recorded 16 tackles, one interception, and one tackle for loss, playing every defensive snap before the last one.