The Los Angeles Rams received positive news regarding linebacker Nate Landman's injuries on Monday, but the situation underscored the team's thin depth at the position. Landman sustained a shoulder and thumb injury during the Rams' season-opening 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Sean McVay anticipates Landman will be available for the upcoming game against the New York Giants, though he will be limited in practice throughout the week.
This prognosis provides significant relief for the Rams, as Landman was a crucial defensive player last season. He recorded 132 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and an interception in 1,063 defensive snaps in 2025. Furthermore, he is one of the team's four defensive captains, highlighting his leadership role.
The situation at inside linebacker was further complicated when fellow starter Omar Speights left the Week 1 game with a hip pointer. While Speights is showing improvement, swelling remains a concern. Shaun Dolac was called into action when Speights was sidelined.
Beyond Landman and Speights, the Rams' linebacker depth is largely unproven. The team has prioritized building strength in the defensive line and secondary, leaving the inside linebacker position as a potential area of vulnerability, especially after defensive end Myles Garrett was lost for the season due to knee surgery.
Safety Kam Curl also experienced an ankle issue, though McVay described it as soreness and stated the player is "good." Curl played 30 snaps in Week 1 after leaving the game in the first quarter and returning in the fourth. Curl's versatility is valuable, as he has experience playing off-ball linebacker and even on the edge in certain formations. He has also lined up in the slot and at safety, contributing to the Rams' dime package by allowing them to field six defensive backs without sacrificing physicality against the run.
While Curl's apparent availability mitigates some concern, any further setbacks at linebacker would expose an already shallow unit. McVay's optimistic update on Landman suggests the team views his expected return as essential given the limited options behind him.