Los Angeles Rams Cornerback Derion Kendrick Returns to Practice

Los Angeles Rams corner Derion Kendrick returned to practice on Thursday, but will he play on Sunday?

Matt Galatzan | Oct 19, 2023

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Los Angeles Rams

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick was arrested on Monday on a felony weapons charge, throwing not only his status for Week 7, but the rest of the season into question.

And after a week of speculation and waiting, there is still no clarity as to his status for the Rams vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday.

However, things may be moving in a positive direction for Kendrick after he returned to practice on Thursday. That said, Kendrick only participated in team walkthroughs, and not the full practice, per a team spokesman.

It will still be up to Sean McVay whether or not Kendrick suits up this weekend, according to Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.

Rams corner Derion Kendrick Defends 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel / USA Today Sports

Kendrick has started every game this season, recording 25 tackles, three passes defended and two tackles for loss. He's been targeted 30 times and allowed only 15 receptions for 134 yards, per Pro Football Reference.

The first name McVay mentioned was Tomlinson, a sixth-round rookie who's played only 13 total snaps on defense but has seen extended special teams action, taking 123 snaps, or 76 percent.

Tomlinson's made five total tackles this season and arrived in Los Angeles with strong pedigree, having won the Jim Thorpe Award given annually to college football's best defensive back last season while starring during TCU's run to the national championship game.

Shelley gives the Rams more professional experience, as he's played in 47 games with 11 starts since entering the league as a sixth-round pick in 2019.

Like Tomlinson, Shelley has primarily played special teams, seeing 94 snaps there as opposed to just 17 on defense. He's recorded two tackles and defended a pair of passes in his first season with the Rams.

Published Oct 19, 2023

MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan the Editor-In-Chief of RamDigest.com. Galatzan graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry under Mike Fisher at DallasBasketball.com in 2014, which at the time was part of the 247Sports network. He also spent two years covering the SMU Mustangs for PonyStampede.com on the 247Sports network. When DallasBasketball.com and CowboysCountry.com moved over to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, Galatzan followed suit, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com and AllAggies.com a year later. Through the years, Galatzan has conducted a handful of high-profile one-on-one interviews to add to his resume — in both writing and podcasting. Some of his biggest interviews have been with Mavs owner Mark Cuban, former Longhorns players Dan Neil and Phil Dawson, and many other recruits, and current/former players for each of the teams he has covered. Galatzan is also a full-time employee in the digital media department for Audacy and KRLD FM's 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, which is the official radio home of the Dallas Cowboys. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels. For any inquiries, please email matt.galatzan@gmail.com