Jeff Howe of the Athletic reports that Rams RB Todd Gurley has arthritis in his knee.
This would explain Gurley’s limited usage throughout the playoffs and why they balanced the workload with C.J. Anderson.
The Rams have yet to confirm anything publicly, but a recent report mentioned that Gurley is considering stem cell treatments for his knee this offseason if the current regimen isn’t productive.
Rams HC Sean McVay says he hasn’t heard about the Gurley and a possible stem cell treatment, but did admit that there are some “new methods” worth considering if need be.
“As far as the stem cells, that’s not something that’s been communicated to me, but there is a program,” McVay said. “We’ve got these doctors and there’s always new methods of staying as up-to-date as you can, and number one, the player has to feel good about it. Todd does such a good job of doing his own research and knowing what are the things [he] can do. . . .
“I think every year provides a new opportunity based on the research and some of the medical advances to attack it in the right way. As long as Todd is feeling good about that, that’s what we’ll do.”
Gurley, 24, is a former first-round pick of the Rams back in 2015. He was entering the final year of his four-year, $13.823 million contract and stands to make a base salary of $2.31 million for the 2018 season when the Rams picked up his fifth-year option back in April.
Gurley later agreed to a new four-year extension worth $60 million and includes $45 million guaranteed with the Rams this past summer.
In 2018, Gurley appeared in 14 games for the Rams and rushed for 1,251 yards on 256 carries (4.9 YPC) to go along with 59 receptions for 580 yards receiving and 21 total touchdowns.
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It’s a shame that Gurley is dealing with this knee issue. I think the injury is worse then the Rams and Gurley are letting people believe. Hopefully the knee is not in need of micro-fracture surgery. Because! That procedure requires a lot of patience and rehab during the healing process.
The Rams should draft ISUs RB David Montgomery in 2019 as a safety net. This would ensure the Rams of a seamless change at RB, if Gurley has to nurse his knee injury.
Montgomery is a load at 5’10″/220lbs with skills similar to Kareem Hunt. That type of running coupled with the receiving trio of Cooks, Woods and Kupp, keeps McVay’s offense churning out points.