The Los Angeles Rams traveled around the world to get whopped by the San Francisco 49ers 27-7. The reigning defensive player of the year, Myles Garrett, didn't look good at all. He was sluggish and couldn't find the normal explosion that he's known for. After the game, he said that his performance was "the worst version of myself that I've put out there." It turns out he was fighting through a knee injury.
Garrett will now miss at least four weeks after arthroscopic knee surgery, which is a blow to the Rams, but it may end up being the way former Badger Darryl Peterson III finds a call-up. Yet, it's not a sure thing that he's next in line from the Rams' practice squad, but he would certainly be a viable candidate.
The problem for Peterson's call up is that the Rams don't usually roster five edge rushers but their 53-man opening day roster did. Four is the number that Sean McVay often looks for, according to Rams expert John Sbisa at RamblinFan.com. Yet, it's not out of the possibility that Peterson gets the call. Especially considering Los Angeles had zero sacks and only one tackle for loss in Week 1.
The Rams will need to find some pass-rushing without Myles Garrett for the next few weeks
Related: The 3 former Wisconsin Badgers most likely to get an NFL call-up off the practice squad
Peterson proved he has some juice in the final NFL preseason game, where he put the NFL world on notice and made sure the Rams got him on the practice squad. He received the game ball after a performance that included five tackles and two sacks, with the final one being a game-sealing strip sack. Depending on how he looks on the practice squad, McVay will have to at least consider Peterson.
The most likely player the Rams turn to will be Josiah Stewart on the edge. According to Sbisa, "Stewart was one of the more productive Rams in that Week 1 embarrassment against the San Francisco 49ers. He recorded six tackles and a quarterback hit in only 28 snaps, 43 percent of available reps."
Yet, Sbisa believes an Peterson call up could happen, it depends on the injury situation for the Rams on Sunday. If Kam Curl "is still nursing an ankle injury by gameday" then a player from the secondary could get the jump from the practice squad. There's also a chance it's a linebacker "if Nate Landman's shoulder is still banged up."
Peterson is still one of the most likely players to get the call as the Rams are now desperate for pass rushing. If Stewart or the other edges can't find a way to generate a hit on the quarterback in Week 2 when the Rams take on the New York Giants, McVay will be looking elsewhere for help, including Peterson on the practice squad.
As a Badger site, our hope is that Peterson gets the call this week, and finds his way as part of the rotation. Hearing his name called as he's dusting himself off after sacking a quarterback on Sunday would be incredible.
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