2017-Present - McVay's run

What Todd Gurley’s arthritis means for the Rams?

Todd Gurley is coming off another career year just after earning the largest RB contract in NFL history last summer.  Gurley reportedly has arthritis in his surgically repaired knee according to The Athletic reporter Jeff Howe. As devastating as this news is, it does not change much of Gurley’s future with the Los Angeles Rams.

Two days before news broke, Rams general manager Les Snead spoke with the media during the NFL Combine. He hinted that the organization was looking at limiting carries and reduce the wear and tear over a season. Arthritis or not, finding a complementary backup does make logical sense. It was clear the workload effected Gurley enough to miss the last two weeks of the regular season. Splitting carries will preserve his career longevity too.

The Rams still have Justin Davis and John Kelly under contract, but neither made an impact like C. J. Anderson. Anderson could be another option but the free agent market will dictate if he comes back or not. Malcolm Brown did a great job before sustaining a season-ending clavicle injury. He too will likely test the free agent market.

The Rams could look to the 2019 NFL Draft as a potential option. It’s not necessary to draft high for a RB. Studs can be found in lower rounds or can even comes undrafted. Philip Lindsay of the Denver Broncos is a great example of this. Free agency may be a tougher route to follow since the salary cap limits the Rams.

Only two workhorse running backs appeared in the last five Super Bowls; Todd Gurley this past Super Bowl and Marshawn Lynch in Super Bowl XLIX. Gurley doesn’t need to be the workhorse moving forward. His current contract does hurt the wallet but not the team. Gurley’s fantasy football numbers and value will likely be down, but that’s okay. Sean McVay will find a way to make sure Gurley is an effective member of this football team. The Rams do not need Gurley to earn ridiculous stats to be a successful team. Finding the correct balance on the ground will determine the future success.

Gurley averaged 4.9 yards per carry (career high) and led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2018. For the second consecutive year, Gurley ended the regular season in the top three rushing leaders. He achieved all of this while sitting the final two games of the regular season.

Source: Twitter.com

You can follow Matt Herrera on Twitter @itsMATTinLA. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.

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