Los Angeles Rams Update Injury Status For 3 Key Starters, Now Including Kobie Turner

The Los Angeles Rams have spent the offseason retooling and refining a roster they believe is ready to compete at the highest level again. But as training camp rolls on and the preseason opener against the Cowboys looms, a spate of injuries to critical starters, namely Jared Verse’s knee injury and Matthew Stafford’s back injury, is putting a spotlight on the team’s depth—and raising concerns about their ability to weather early adversity.

Los Angeles Rams Update Injury Status For 3 Key Starters, Now Including Kobie Turner - LAFB Network

According to ESPN’s Sarah Barshop, head coach Sean McVay said the team is “erring on the side of caution” with right guard Kevin Dotson and defensive lineman Poona Ford. Dotson is currently dealing with a chest contusion, while Ford has soreness in his groin. Neither practiced Thursday, but McVay sounded optimistic that both players will return to the field on Monday.

The update on defensive tackle Kobie Turner was less encouraging. Per the Associated Press’ Greg Beacham, McVay described Turner’s status as “week to week” due to a back issue—signaling that the Rams may be without one of their most disruptive defenders for the remainder of camp, and potentially beyond.

Los Angeles Rams Injury Update

Kevin Dotson: The Anchor in Jeopardy

Los Angeles Rams Update Injury Status For 3 Key Starters, Now Including Kobie Turner 1 Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Dotson’s injury, while not believed to be serious, is a reminder of how essential he is to the Rams’ offensive line—and how thin the group becomes without him. The 27-year-old was a stabilizing force in 2023 after being acquired in a preseason trade from Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles responded by locking him up on a three-year, $48 million extension. His punishing presence at right guard is critical to both protecting Matthew Stafford and creating push in the run game.

In 2024, Dotson logged a run-blocking grade of 82.3, helped pave the way for a resurgent Rams ground game, and brought an edge that set the tone up front. His pairing with veteran Rob Havenstein forms the most reliable side of the line—and losing that cohesion, even briefly, could have ripple effects throughout the offense.

Poona Ford: The Under-the-Radar X-Factor

Los Angeles Rams Update Injury Status For 3 Key Starters, Now Including Kobie Turner 2 Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Ford, meanwhile, has been one of the standouts of training camp before being sidelined by a groin issue. Signed to bolster the defensive front, the former Seahawks and Bills lineman quickly impressed with his leverage, twitch, and consistency. Dotson, who’s battled against Ford in practice, noted: “He’s strong, lower to the ground, but he still has twitch. He’s great in the run block, surprisingly quick in the pass.”

McVay praised Ford earlier this week as “a complete player,” and his role could become even more important depending on the timeline for Turner’s return.

Kobie Turner: Week-to-Week with Back Issue

Los Angeles Rams Update Injury Status For 3 Key Starters, Now Including Kobie Turner 3 Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Turner has blossomed into one of the Rams’ defensive anchors over the past two seasons, showcasing rare athleticism and disruptive interior play. His “week-to-week” back issue—first reported by Greg Beacham of the AP—raises questions about whether the 2023 rookie sensation will be ready by Week 1.

If Ford isn’t fully healthy by the time the regular season begins, the Rams could be dangerously thin at a position group they’ve prioritized for internal pressure.

A Delicate Balance

While none of the injuries are considered long-term, they underscore how fragile the Rams’ current roster construction is. Built around top-end talent and youthful upside, Los Angeles doesn’t have the luxury of elite depth at multiple spots, especially now in the face of a potentially serious injury to edge rushing phenom, Jared Verse

McVay and his staff are wisely being cautious, but with the season fast approaching, any extended absence from Dotson, Ford, or Turner could test the Rams’ resilience—and force others to step up sooner than expected.