He’s Back: Rams Activate Cody Davis From IR

Ed “Pi Double i” Henderson

WorldWide Rams​

The Los Angeles Rams upgraded their defensive secondary today by activating veteran safety Cody Davis from the injured reserved. Davis was  placedon the IR after suffering an injury to his quadriceps against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week six after his treatment was responding as they intended.

Davis played well in the Rams’ new three-four defensive scheme leading up to his injury, by recording one interception, two pass deflections, and recorded 22 total tackles this season. The Rams fan are quite familiar with Davis ball-hawking ability in the defensive backfield. In week three against the Seattle Seahawks, he sniffed out a trick play, by intercepting a deep pass intended for running back  J.D. McKissick. (Watch Video)

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Cody Davis Sniff Out The Trickery

As Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson motioned receiver Tanner McEvoy left, he quickly threw him the ball which seemed to be a screenplay Instead, McEvoy would heave the ball deep down the field to a McKissick who had badly beat Rams outside linebacker Connor Barwin. Davis interception would set up a  touchdown run by Tavon Austin who was untouched to the end zone three plays later.

The Rams will host their division rival San Francisco 49ers in what is primarily a meaningful game this Sunday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. But, don't let the Ram Die-Hard hear you say that too loudly, as this game is one of the most heated rivalries in the league. Rams head coach Sean McVay already reported that several Ram starters were going to be inactive such as Jared Goff, Todd Gurley (NFL Most Valuable Player) frontrunner, and All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald to be fresh for the NFC Wild Card name next week. 

The last several weeks, the Rams have been plagued by injuries, with linebacker Mark Barron injuring his knee against the Seahawks, and an inflamed Achilles last week against the Tennessee Titans. Connor Barwin fractured his forearm against Philadelphia Eagles, Kayvon Webster and Marqui Christian, both on IR with a ruptured Achilles (Webster) and Christian's shoulder. Rams kicker Greg Zuerline was placed on the IR with a herniated disc that required surgery. Pro bowl snubbed guard Roger Saffold, was injured with an oblique last week against the Titan's. To sum up the list, potential Rookie of the Year receiver Cooper Kupp is listed out with a knee and will be inactive on Sunday.

Davis return to the Rams secondary and special team is a huge lift with his versatility to play at both safeties position. Davis at safety can allow Lamarcus Joyner to come down and play the slot corner or even the outside. Troy Hill, who replaced Webster at the starting corner opposite of Trumaine Johnson, played remarkably well in his first start against the Seahawks. Hill allowed only one completion of five yards. 

Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, learning that Davis was activated as he can be used as an effective blitzer from the defensive backfield.  Many 49ers fans are not too happy as the Rams will sit the majority of their starters.  In week three, the Rams squeaked by with a victory against the 49ers, of the 41-39 victory, as Aaron Donald sacked quarterback Brian Hoyer to preserve the win at Levi Stadium. Since that time, the 49ers acquired quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo from the New England Patriots, in which he is undefeated in his six NFL starts, winning his first four starts with the 49ers.  
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The Rams have no slouches at the backup skill positions, as reserved quarterback Sean Mannion is set to make his first NFL start. Mannion who played well in pre-season potentially can be auditioning for a new team next season as he makes the start. At the running back position, Rams have Malcolm Brown, Lance Dunbar, and Tavon Austin. Austin, who may get a lot of touches provided by his lack of playing time over the course of the season.

I have to admit, I'm more excited to watch the wide receiver position, where I believe it will be an upgrade over the 49ers secondary. Josh Reynolds will probably be targeted more because of his size and preseason chemistry with Mannion, and as well as Pharoh Cooper. Mike Thomas will finally get the opportunity to shine at receiver, along with Cooper. Factor Austin in the mix at receiver as well, and not to exclude rookie tight-end Gerald Everett who has been quiet in the recent weeks.

Even with the Ram starters inactive on the field, it has been the same motto all season long, "next man up!" Intend for this to be a very competitive and exciting game as it was last season after Colin Kaepernick led the 49ers down the field for the game-winning touchdown and two-point conversion for the victory.

To make room on the roster for Davis, the Rams placed linebacker Matt Longacre, on the IR after requiring surgery on his back. Longacre played well up to this point, however, he was inactive last week when the Rams clinched the NFC West Division for the first time since 2003 and also added playoff spot since 2004. 

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