Rams CB Derion Kendrick Feared To Have Torn ACL

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick is feared to have torn an ACL during practice, sources informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday. Kendrick, who turns 24 on Aug. 24, will undergo further testing to confirm the initial diagnosis.

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft

Kendrick was selected 212th overall by the Rams during the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft out of the University of Georgia. Through 32 career games (18 starts), he has totals of one interception, 14 passes defended, 92 total tackles, and three tackles for loss.

In his rookie season, Kendrick appeared in 15 games (six starts). He had four passes defended, 43 total tackles, 36 solo tackles, and seven assists on tackles.

The 6-foot, 190-pound defensive back started 12 games last season for Los Angeles. He recorded his first interception in Week 10 against then-Seattle Seahawks backup quarterback Drew Lock.

Kendrick also ended the 2023 season with 10 passes defended. During the Rams’ offseason program, defensive coordinator Chris Shula mentioned Kendrick as a player “doing a great job” at the star position.

Furthermore, the secondary will look a bit different heading into the 2024 season, with the additions of Tre’Davious White and Darious Williams.

Coach Sean McVay said the secondary impressed during the first training camp practice

On Wednesday, the Rams’ first training camp practice, coach Sean McVay said he thought the secondary impressed by playing “a lot of sticky coverage,” according to ESPN’s Sarah Bishop.

While McVay listed six players in the secondary in his answer, he did not mention Kendrick. “We have some guys that can really stay sticky … can really move,” McVay said.

“Whether that’s from the safety position [or] from the corner position, it’s great to get Tre’Davious White out here. I thought that Cobie Durant [and] Darious Williams had great springs from the corner spot. Then to be able to see Tre’Davious White get out here … his résumé is well-documented, but he looked good.

“I thought we saw a lot from our safeties. Quentin Lake, [Kamren] Curl showed up, and then it was good to be able to have John Johnson back. He looked very comfortable today.”

Moreover, Kendrick won two CFP national championships: one with Clemson in 2018 and the other at Georgia in 2021. He was selected first-team All-ACC in 2020 after recording 17 tackles, an interception, and six passes defended.

In June 2021, Kendrick transferred to Georgia after he was dismissed from Clemson for disciplinary problems. He was also selected second-team All-SEC in 2021 after notching 41 tackles, four interceptions, and three passes defended.

Rams training camp runs from now through Saturday, Aug. 3.