Rams guard Logan Bruss’ rookie season likely over with torn ACL and MCL

Rams guard Logan Bruss tore his ACL and MCL in his right knee Friday night against the Houston Texans and is expected to miss his entire rookie season, coach Sean McVay announced Saturday.

Bruss started the exhibition at right guard, but he spent most of the second half on the bench with his right knee wrapped. The Wisconsin product was the Rams’ first pick in the 2022 draft as a third-round selection.

Bruss lost the starting right guard job to veteran Coleman Shelton in training camp, but McVay said he expected the rookie to contribute in the regular season. Shelton is also the backup center to Brian Allen and Bruss was likely being counted on to be the first guard available.

“It’s a real shame for a kid that’s worked really hard and puts a lot into this game,” McVay said of Bruss. “This is a guy that loves football. We obviously drafted him with confidence that he can be a guy that could potentially contribute for us this year. Unfortunately now, as a result of what’s occurred, that won’t be the case. But you put your arm around him, you help him attack the rehab the right way, and I trust that he’s going to do everything in his power to come back better next year than he was this year.”

The loss of Bruss will create opportunities for Tremayne Anchrum and AJ Jackson, two players who have impressed McVay this summer. Bobby Evans also has starting experience as a guard and tackle.

“I’ve been really pleased with the ascension of Coleman Shelton showing what kind of player he is, where he can really play any of those three interior spots,” McVay said. “He’s played really well at the right guard spot.

“But on a positive, I’ve seen incredible strides from Tremayne Anchrum. He’s been outstanding in the preseason. He’s done a really outstanding job in these first two preseason games of showing that he absolutely belongs and he’s a guy that can play and be ready to go if need be. Same thing with AJ Jackson.”

BLANTON’S GOODBYE

Tight end Kendall Blanton was a surprise cut after the Rams trimmed their roster to 80 players.

Along with Blanton, the Rams waived wide receiver J.J. Koski, defensive back Jairon McVea and running backs Raymond Calais and A.J. Rose.

Blanton made an impact throughout the Rams’ postseason run and started against the Cincinnati Bengals for Super Bowl LVI in February. Blanton, who joined the Rams as an undrafted free agent in  2019, played in 15 games last season, including the four playoff games.

“Obviously, a tough decision on Kendall Blanton that we made today,” McVay said. “Wish him nothing but the best. He had a big influence on a lot of the good things last year, particularly in the playoffs, but looking forward to seeing some of these other guys continue to stand out.”

Blanton, who’s known for his blocking, was competing with Brycen Hopkins for playing time behind starting tight end Tyler Higbee. But McVay said he’s been pleased with Hopkins’ progress as an all-around tight end.

“I’ve seen improvement,” McVay said about Hopkins’ blocking skills. “I think (tight ends coach) Thomas (Brown) has done a great job of continuing to develop the depth of being a well-rounded player. I think he’s got a unique skill set where he’s got the ability to really contribute in the pass game and he’s got enough toughness to absolutely compete as an in-line player. There’s for sure been steps in the right direction as it relates to that.”

With Higbee and Hopkins, the Rams will now likely have only two tight ends on their 53-man roster. McVay said the decision to waive Blanton wasn’t to make room for other crowded positions.

“I love Kendall and I’m very appreciative of the time that we had together, but it was based on the evaluation of what we’ve seen and it was a football decision as it relates to the tight ends,” McVay said. “It didn’t have anything to do with the wide receivers or any spot like that.”

@RamsNFL I’m grateful. Grateful for it all. I’m grateful for the opportunity. The ups and the downs and everything I’ve learned and experience in my 4 years here. I believe in God and I know that while i may not always understand it, His plan is greater than my own #lookatGod

— KB (@TheKspecial_) August 20, 2022

HARDY SIDELINED WITH INJURY

Rookie outside linebacker Daniel Hardy also sustained an injury against the Texans and is scheduled to have ankle surgery. McVay said Hardy is not expected to miss the entire season, but mentioned that he’ll likely start the regular season on injured reserve.

Hardy, the team’s seventh-round pick in April, quickly impressed with his athleticism and was expected to contribute on special teams.