Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
Getty
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on against the Tennessee Titans.
The Los Angeles Rams’ big win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 2 did not come without a significant cost, as starting cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was knocked from the contest early, and head coach Sean McVay confirmed it is a multi-week injury.
Witherspoon is in his third season with the Rams. He re-signed on a one-year, $1.2 million contract in free agency this past offseason.
A starter in his first season and a reserve last year, he drew his second start of 2025 in Week 2.
Sean McVay: Ahkello Witherspoon Suffers Broken Clavicle vs Titans
Darious Williams, Los Angeles Rams
GettyAhkello Witherspoon #4 of the Los Angeles Rams during the NFL playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Witherspoon, 30, was a third-round pick (No. 66 overall) by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2017 draft, and he has also spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and played for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to Pro Football Reference, Witherspoon allowed 1 catch for 4 yards on an 81% snap share in the season-opener against the Houston Texans.
McVay called Witherspoon a “big loss.”
“He broke his clavicle. So, it’s unfortunate,” McVay told reporters on September 14 about the ninth-year veteran after the Rams’ 33-19 victory. “I feel terrible for Ahkello. Love him. It’s such a bummer.”
McVay espoused significant confidence in the Rams’ remaining healthy corners in light of Witherspoon’s injury, which typically takes anywhere from six to 12 weeks to recover from.
Rams Turn to Super Bowl Champion After Ahkelllo Witherspoon Injury
Darious Williams, Los Angeles Rams
GettyDarious Williams #31 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a win against the Tennessee Titans.
McVay was disappointed for Witherspoon, but he was optimistic about the rest of the Rams’ CB options, including one player from their 2021 Super Bowl team. He even reiterated that the Rams believe they have “four starting corners.”
“I thought Darious Williams came in and made – what a clutch break up that he had on the third down to get us off the grass. [Emmanuel] Forbes and Decobie [Durant] continue to take steps in the right direction. I was really pleased with our defense. I thought it was awesome for D Will to be ready,” McVay said.
“You do feel fortunate to have the depth, where a guy like D Will can step up to be able to supplement both Decobie and Forbes.”
Williams started 11 of 12 games played for the Rams last season, and 37 of 55 in his LA tenure.
An undrafted free agent out of UAB in 2018, Williams, who began his career with the Baltimore Ravens, is on his second stint with the Rams after a two-year run with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022 and 2023.
Rams’ CB Situation Takes Unfortunate Turn
Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts against the Tennessee Titans.
Durant was a fourth-round selection by the Rams in 2022. Forbes was a first-rounder of the Washington Commanders in 2023.
The Rams have a trio of undrafted free agents – Josh Wallace on the active roster and A.J. Green and Cam Lampkin on the practice squad – for additional depth on game day until Witherspoon returns.
However, Witherspoon’s injury could put McVay and the Rams’ resolve to the test.
The Rams faced questions about their top-line corners and depth before the injury. Those questions will only resurface, possibly even louder, until they play again and prove otherwise.
The Rams still have several potential options available in free agency. They include former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore. However, the Rams may stay in wait-and-see mode before going outside the organization to fill the void left by Witherspoon.