NFL News: Rams give up on promising CB following year-long injury absence

The Los Angeles Rams are hoping for a healthier 2025 season, especially when it comes to player availability. After a couple years of dealing with injury-riddled rosters, that may have played a role in their decision to waive a young cornerback.

“The Rams have waived CB Derion Kendrick, a former 6th-round pick who started 18 games over his first two seasons, showed starting potential, but missed all of last year with a torn ACL,” reported Ari Meirov on X.

Kendrick’s injury kept him off the field for the entire 2024 NFL season. He was expected to take a big step forward on defense but instead became one of several Rams players sidelined by injury.

Kendrick’s stats with the Rams

Kendrick made his debut in 2022, finishing that season with 43 combined tackles over 15 games, including six starts. In 2023, he earned a larger role, starting 12 of the team’s 17 games and recording a career-high 49 tackles — 41 of them solo.

CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 25: Derion Kendrick #1 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates a missed field goal by the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter in the game at Paycor Stadium on September 25, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

In July 2024, during the first week of training camp, Kendrick tore his ACL. The injury was a tough blow not only for him, but for the Rams’ hopes on defense.

McVay showed support for Kendrick during his recovery

It was head coach Sean McVay who first shared the news publicly about Kendrick’s ACL tear in 2024. At the time, he emphasized the team’s support and praised Kendrick’s personal growth.

“I’m really proud of the way that he’s worked. He’s continued to really mature in a lot of different ways, and if there’s one thing you know about this guy, he can handle setbacks. He’ll have a lot of support from his teammates and coaches, and he’ll attack the rehab.”