McVay Hesitant to Name Evans Rams Starter vs. Steelers

Originally posted on FanNation Ram Digest
By Anthony Licciardi | Last updated 10/19/23

As fate would have it, the Los Angeles Rams’ explosive rushing performance doesn’t seem like it’s here to stay. After Kyren Williams’ 158-yard performance and a 26-9 win over the Arizona Cardinals, it certainly seemed like Los Angeles was set to play its most complementary football of the season.

Just as quickly as Williams dismantled the Cardinals' defense, he found himself on the injury report. An ankle injury has him considered week-to-week and has the Rams scrambling for options. Backup running back Ronnie Rivers, who suffered a Grade 3 PCL sprain, will also be out for the foreseeable future.

Perhaps the most accessible option for Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay would be increasing the workload of rookie running back Zach Evans. The Ole Miss product finished off the Week 6 victory with four rushes for 10 yards.

It wasn’t enough to lock in the starting spot for Sunday. The Rams made a handful of moves at the position early in the week. They elevated running back Royce Freeman to the active roster and brought in Darrell Henderson and Myles Gaskin to the practice squad. Each could see snaps against the Steelers.

When asked if Evans could be expected to handle the bulk of the workload, McVay hesitated.

“I wouldn’t say that,” McVay said. “We’ve got the week to be able to evaluate and I would say all four of those guys are possibilities and we’re truly navigating through that.”

Freeman has spent the most time, aside from Evans, with the current rendition of the Rams. Henderson spent the first four years of his career in Los Angeles. Gaskin offers many similarities to Williams and is arguably the best schematic fit of the group.

That doesn’t mean Evans will be invisible, though.

“But I was pleased with what Zach did towards the latter part of the game,” McVay said.

It’s not yet clear which combination will be active on game day, but it seems Los Angeles doesn’t want to burden the rookie with more than he can handle, especially against a talented Pittsburgh front seven.

Expect the Rams to employ a committee in Week 7 and cross your fingers that you won’t have to start any of them in fantasy football.

This article first appeared on FanNation Ram Digest and was syndicated with permission.

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