After the Los Angeles Rams wrap up training camp at Loyola Marymount on Saturday, they’ll head to the Chargers’ facility for a joint practice with Jim Harbaugh’s team. It’s the first of four joint practices for the Rams this summer, with two of those being against the Chargers.
The Rams put a lot of value in joint practices because their starters sit out the preseason, so this is an important session for Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and the team’s other top players.
Here are five things to watch for when the Rams and Chargers take the field on Sunday.
Rams’ tackles vs. Chargers’ pass rushers
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The Rams have suffered injury after injury along the offensive line this summer, losing Alaric Jackson, Jonah Jackson and Rob Havenstein in the last two weeks. Alaric Jackson could return for Sunday’s practice, but Jonah Jackson will be out and it’s unclear how long Havenstein will be sidelined.
Whether it’s Jackson and Havenstein or Joe Noteboom and Warren McClendon Jr. at tackle, the Rams’ offensive linemen will be tested by Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa in practice Sunday. It’ll be a good challenge for all of the Rams’ tackles.
Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske’s performance
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Turner missed most of the Rams’ team drills during camp with a groin injury before returning as a full participant on Thursday, so his time on the field with Fiske has been very limited. Fiske has been outstanding in practice but he should be even better when Turner is on the field with him, which the two should be on Sunday.
The Rams could have one of the better young defensive line duos in the NFL as the season goes on and Fiske gains comfort and experience on the field.
One-on-one matchups between WRs and CBs
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The Chargers aren’t exactly deep at wide receiver or cornerback right now, so the Rams should have the edge at both positions. After Asante Samuel Jr., there are major question marks at cornerback for the Chargers. The same goes for the wide receiver group, which no longer has Keenan Allen or Mike Williams atop the depth chart.
The Rams will still be missing Darious Williams, who is injured, but Tre’Davious White and Cobie Durant will get in some good work against the Chargers’ wideouts. The same goes for Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson against the Chargers’ corners in one-on-one drills.
Blake Corum practicing against his former college coach
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Everyone thought the Chargers would target Corum in the draft this year because of his connection to Jim Harbaugh but it wound up being the other L.A. team that selected him. The Rams won’t face the Chargers this season but Corum will get to see his former coach on the practice field Sunday.
Corum has been impressive in training camp but going up against another defense will give him a chance to really shine.
Tight end impact against Chargers’ safeties
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There’s been a lot of talk about the Rams’ tight ends in training camp, whether it’s Colby Parkinson or Davis Allen. They’re both going to have a role this season while Tyler Higbee on the shelf and they’ll go up against a talented safety tandem on Sunday when facing Derwin James Jr. and Alohi Gilman.
Can the Rams’ tight ends continue their strong offseason against another defense? It’s a golden opportunity for Sean McVay to see what his tight ends can do on offense.
