Los Angeles Rams versatile defensive back Quentin Lake suffered an apparent arm injury in the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks. The breakout star hurt his left elbow while absorbing a run block and grabbed his arm as he went to the ground. Lake did not return for the remainder of the contest and underwent an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury.
Los Angeles Rams breakout defensive star underwent surgery
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Los Angeles Rams helmet during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Los Angeles Rams helmet during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
According to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network,Quentin Lake underwent successful surgery on Tuesday to repair his left elbow. As a result, the Rams will soon place him on injured reserve and expect him to miss an extended period. The team is hopeful that Lake will return in 2025, either later in the regular season or just in time for the playoffs.
#Rams S Quentin Lake had successful surgery yesterday to repair an elbow injury, per me and @MikeGarafolo, though there is a good chance for Lake to return later this season in the playoffs.
A key part of a top defense, Lake’s return would be important. pic.twitter.com/1NoDuicbCl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 19, 2025
The impact of his absence
Los Angeles Rams, Quentin Lake
November 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams safety Quentin Lake (37) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Quentin Lake’s absence negatively impacts the Rams because he is in the midst of a breakout fourth season. He is posting career highs in tackles for loss, interceptions, and pass deflections, while leading the team in the latter. Lake has 61 tackles, two TFLs, one sack, one interception, ten pass deflections, and one forced fumble.
Lake’s injury affects the defense because he is a versatile defensive back who can play two positions. He starts at safety in base defense and shifts into the slot in nickel formations. The breakout star played every single defensive snap before exiting Week 11, and the team will have difficulty matching his production.
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Who replaces him?
Los Angeles Rams, Kamren Kinchens
Nov 16, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Kinchens (26) leaves the field after defeating the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Kamren Kinchens is expected to start at safety and see an expanded role moving forward, with Josh Wallace and Cobie Durant potentially rotating in the slot. Kinchens played 87% of defensive snaps in Week 11, the third-highest total this season, while Wallace played 32%, primarily in the slot, and Durant played 68%, mainly on the outside. Meanwhile, Roger McCreary, whom the Rams acquired from the Titans, is another option in the slot but has yet to log a single defensive snap with his new team.
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