There were indications after St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford limped off the field during their game against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday that the former No. 1 overall pick did not suffer extensive damage to the very same ACL that he tore last season.
That optimism has given in to concern.
Despite Rams QB Sam Bradford thinking his ACL was intact from initial testing, there is real concern that it is not and it could be torn.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 24, 2014
If Bradford did indeed suffer a torn ACL, his 2014 season would be over before it starts. In that worst-case scenario, veteran Shaun Hill would take over as the Rams starting quarterback.
It’s potentially a huge blow to a team that came into training camp with playoff aspirations. The Rams have done everything possible to build a strong offense around Bradford, a sign that they believed he would be able to turn around what had been a pedestrian career.
With that said, quarterback isn’t necessarily the strength of this football team. And Hill isn’t all that much of a downgrade from Bradford…at least from a short-term perspectice.
We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Update: According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, Bradford did indeed tear his ACL and is out for the season.
Rams QB Sam Bradford is out for season after MRI shows he did tear left knee ACL, per sources. Rams will announce later today. @ESPNNFL
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 24, 2014
This means that Hill is currently the Rams starter. We can also fully expect general manager Les Snead and Co. to address this position either in free agency or through a trade.
Photo: ESPN.com