The Los Angeles Rams are preparing for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles without cornerback Jaylen Watson, who is unlikely to play because of a shoulder injury, according to TheRams.com. Watson left last Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos with the injury.
TheRams.com described Watson's expected absence as an adjustment for the defensive backfield. It also reported that defensive coordinator Chris Shula and the rest of the unit are ready for it.
Speaking Thursday, Shula said losing starters always forces a team to shift players around and ask others to step up, and he called that "life in the NFL." He added that injuries help build depth because they give players a chance to take on bigger roles.
The Rams are also expressing confidence in Josh Wallace. TheRams.com reported that he recovered from early struggles against the Broncos and finished with a strong performance. When a reporter said Wallace seemed to improve as the game went on, Shula agreed.
Shula said Wallace told him "Hey, I owe you one" after a couple of plays. Later, after Wallace made an interception, he told Shula "I told you, Coach." Shula called Wallace smart and unfazed and said the team doesn't expect any drop-off.