The Los Angeles Rams could be getting two key defensive contributors back for Week 8, with cornerback Trent McDuffie and linebacker Nate Landman trending toward playing after missing time with injuries.
McDuffie has missed the Rams' last two games while dealing with a groin issue, leaving Los Angeles without one of its most important pieces in the secondary. His potential return would provide a significant boost to a defense that needs its top cornerbacks available as the regular season continues.
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The Rams acquired McDuffie to strengthen their pass defense, and his presence gives defensive coordinator Chris Shula another versatile option in coverage. Getting the former Pro Bowl cornerback back on the field would be particularly valuable as Los Angeles prepares to get back to .500 and can't afford to slip up anymore in the NFC playoff race.
Landman, meanwhile, missed the Rams' Week 7 contest after experiencing concussion symptoms. His availability would be an important development as he is the defense's green dot (defensive signal caller). Quentin Lake held the responsibilities in Week 7.
Fortunately, Josh Wallace (DB) and Shaun Dolac (LB) stepped up admirably in Week 7 when both McDuffie and Landman were inactive. It raises the question as to how Sean McVay and Chris Shula could get Wallace and Dolac more involved moving forward.
