Hunter Long Ruled Out In Week 1; Could Be Placed On Injured Reserve

Los Angeles Rams tight end Hunter Long has been dealing with injuries during all of training camp and the preseason. Those injuries were in his thigh and groin and injuries the Rams were aware of when they received him as part of the Jalen Ramsey deal with the Miami Dolphins.

But the backup tight end may now also be dealing with some hamstring issues. Rams head coach Sean McVay included Long in a list of players featuring Cooper Kupp and Stetson Bennett that will not be available for the team’s Week 1 game against the Seattle Seahawks.

McVay spoke about Long’s injury situation and whether or not it could be a one week or longer injury, according to Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:

Long “felt a little something in his hamstring,” and that injury is separate from the thigh/groin injury that had him sidelined for all of training camp and most of the preseason, according to McVay. Long is “possibly” a candidate for Injured Reserve as well, per McVay.

Long is clearly having a host of lower leg issues, making an injured reserve stint all the more likely. He also joins Kupp as two pass catchers on the Rams offense dealing with hamstring issues, and both could potentially be placed on IR in short order.

With both players out of the lineup on Sunday, Matthew Stafford’s pass-catching options become thin. The core for the Seahawks secondary to worry about includes tight end Tyler Higbee, wide receivers Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek and Tutu Atwell with running back Cam Akers.

It was already shaping up to be a rare type of season for McVay and company, but injuries to players like Kupp and Long certainly aren’t making things easier. The hope is that sitting out Week 1 is all Long needs to be ready to go, but the signs may be pointing in the opposite direction at this time.

Brett Rypien serving as backup quarterback

Bennett has been ruled out for Week 1 against the Seahawks due to an ongoing shoulder issue. So serving at Stafford’s backup in his place is former Broncos backup quarterback Brett Rypien. Rypien played in eight games over three years with Denver.

McVay also said the team will likely not utilize the brand new rule that allows them to carry a third emergency quarterback on the roster and will stick with Stafford and Rypien as the quarterback duo for Sunday’s game.