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IRVINE, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Rams suffered their first injury of training camp Tuesday when defensive tackle Dominique Easley went down with a leg injury during a full scrimmage. The fourth-year veteran was helped off the field by two trainers, then carted off the practice field to the locker room.
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He was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Tuesday night. Adding to the concern is that he's already suffered two torn ACLs in his career, and it would be a critical blow if the latest injury is along those lines.
A serious injury would throw the Rams defensive line depth into turmoil. Keep in mind All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald is in a contract holdout as he and the club hammer out a new long-term deal.
With no end in sight on Donald's holdout, and Easley now down for an undetermined period, the defensive line population is dwindling.
"Well, I think when you're talking about two very good players that are potentially unavailable, that's a concerning thing," said Rams head coach Sean McVay.
If there are any silver linings, it's still early in camp. There's plenty of time for Donald and the Rams to get their situation resolved, and perhaps even for Easley to get back on the field.
It also means there is time for other players to take advantage of an opportunity.
"We've got guys that need to be ready to step up, and that's why you've got a 90-man roster right now," McVay said.
"Aaron is not here for different reasons, but if this is an extended absence for Dominique, who has done a great job in Aaron's absence, then somebody else will be ready to step up. But certainly those are two very important players to us.
"We would love for Aaron to be here and we'd love for Dominique to get a good report where he is healthy, but if that is not the situation then we have to be ready to react accordingly."
The Rams signed Easley last year after the Patriots released him. He had a productive season with 30 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
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Mark Barron wasn't available to the Los Angeles Rams during their offseason program last month, so it was difficult for new head coach Sean McVay to get a handle on just what he had in the veteran linebacker.
It hasn't taken Barron long to catch the eye of his new boss in training camp.
"Well, I think he's a guy that I've always had a lot of respect for watching him from afar. You certainly feel him," McVay said.
With the Rams moving to a 4-3 defense, Barron will line up alongside Alec Ogletree in a fast, smart tandem.
"When you look at he and Alec at the inside linebacker positions, definitely have some good speed, very smart player," McVay said. "You can tell the game's important to him. I think in these first three days he's done a great job."
