Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trent McDuffie is nearing a return from a groin injury that has kept him sidelined for the past two games. McDuffie expressed his eagerness to rejoin the team, stating, "If I'm cleared, man, I'm ready to go." The injury, sustained during practice two weeks ago, involved tightness and a slight tug, prompting a cautious approach to recovery.
McDuffie attempted to play in the Rams' Week 7 game against the Raiders but was advised by the team's medical staff to take an additional week for recovery, a decision he now believes was prudent. "They just thought taking an extra week would be smart, so that's what we did," he said. He participated in a limited capacity in practice on Wednesday and reported a significant improvement.
"Man, biggest smile on my face while I was out there, back on the football field," McDuffie shared about his return to practice. His comments come as the Rams secured a 35-21 victory over the Raiders, a performance that McDuffie believes showcased the team regaining its competitive edge.
"The energy was right. The focus was right, and it just seemed like guys had that swagger back," McDuffie observed. "Hopefully I can come back and just add to what they’re already starting to do." He attributed the team's improved play to a renewed emphasis on discipline, attention to detail, and urgency, moving away from the self-inflicted mistakes that plagued them earlier in the season. The Rams had struggled to a 2-4 start through their first six games, marked by penalties and costly errors.
McDuffie previously told The California Post that the team's biggest threat was internal. The recent win over the Raiders offered a glimpse of the Rams' potential when they play cohesively. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has also urged his teammates to go on a winning streak. McDuffie hopes to contribute to this momentum by encouraging his teammates to embrace the joy of playing together and reduce external pressure. "Let's just go out there and enjoy these last games that we have with each other," he said.