ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Rams opted to play the majority of their starters on both sides of the ball for a couple of series in Thursday night's 24-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Rams didn't win any of their four preseason games but they came out of Thursday's game with the most important number of all on their side: zero. Although playing starters in the fourth preseason game for just a series or two doesn't seem to serve much purpose, the Rams managed to escape without any serious injuries of note to any of their key starters.
While the team did preserve top players like end Robert Quinn, defensive tackle Aaron Donald and guard Rodger Saffold by keeping them on the bench, those that did play made it through about a quarter of work without any health issues.
As with all preseason games, staying healthy is the most important piece of all. And best I can tell, the Rams did pretty well in this preseason in the health department save for the season-ending foot injury to cornerback E.J. Gaines.
QB depth chart: As if it wasn't already clear, there really wasn't much of a competition here. It seemed Austin Davis might get a chance to showcase his skills for a potential trade in the fourth preseason game, but the Rams opted instead to play him just one series. Rookie Sean Mannion took over midway through the second quarter and finished the game. It's pretty clear that Mannion will be the No. 3 signal-caller behind Nick Foles and Case Keenum.
Maybe that dude could start: Note the word "could" instead of "should" here, but running back Isaiah Pead got the chance to start Thursday night and acquitted himself well. With Tre Mason and Todd Gurley nursing injuries, the Rams protected Benny Cunningham by having him sit out in case he needs to play a lot against Seattle in Week 1. But Pead would be next in line if Mason isn't ready and would likely play early in the year behind Cunningham in that scenario. He offered at least some semblance of hope that he could contribute if needed with 12 carries for 52 yards and a touchdown. Which is more than we can say for his first three years.
Who got hurt?: Receiver Daniel Rodriguez, who is known for his heroism in tours in Afghanistan and Iraq as an Army Sergeant, took a scary hit on a kick return in the second quarter. He was shaken up but walked off on his own. No surprise but it takes a lot more than a big hit to keep the Purple Heart recipient on the ground.
Player who stepped up: Safety Cody Davis has made a habit of coming up with interceptions in training camp. He carried it over to Thursday's game with an interception and return for a 24-yard touchdown. He's already a core special-teams player but increasingly looks like a player who could help on defense if needed.
Rookie watch: Undrafted defensive tackle Louis Trinca-Pasat started and played pretty much the entire game. He was as active as usual. It might be hard to make the numbers work to keep him as a ninth defensive lineman but he's done enough to earn a spot.
Man in the middle?: The Rams' center competition is as clear as mud as Tim Barnes, Barrett Jones and Demetrius Rhaney continue to rotate. Barnes started against the Chiefs with Rhaney next, then Jones. The decision on a starter might not be made until closer to the opener next week though there seems to be some momentum for Barnes. The question now becomes whether the Rams will keep all three and if not, who goes?
