LOS ANGELES — Quietly, as Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and his balky back sucked up much of the oxygen around the team’s Woodland Hills facility, rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson also returned to practice this week.
While any question about a quarterback’s aggravated disk is going to be a primary concern for any franchise, Ferguson was the subject of much intrigue when training camp opened in July. People around the Rams wanted to see how much the second-round pick would be ready to contribute as a rookie, viewing his ability to contribute as a ceiling-raiser for the 2025 offense.
A groin injury interrupted Ferguson in Week 2 of camp, and he spent the subsequent weeks rehabbing on the sidelines or standing next to tight ends coach Scott Huff, observing the team’s scrimmages.
On Monday he returned to practice, his workload increasing as the week progressed. And on Saturday, he’ll make his public debut during the Rams’ preseason finale at the Cleveland Browns.
Ferguson won’t be playing with the offense that will be on the field during the regular season; fourth-string quarterback Dresser Winn will be the starter in Cleveland. But the opportunity to play some live football will be key for Ferguson.
The rookie missed not just two preseason games but also the Rams’ two joint practices. Those are the most competitive environments that players are exposed to before Week 1, and represent a lot of ground that Ferguson needs to make up as he adjusts to the NFL.
“He was stringing together some really good days. It dates back to May and June with OTAs and up until his injury. Unfortunately for him, he hasn’t been able to play tackle football yet,” offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said. “I think that’ll just be it. He’ll get himself healthy enough where he can just go play after play, stack some plays together and stack some series together where he can get his feet underneath him.”
Ferguson was known for his understanding of spacing and third-down awareness during his days at Oregon, so it will be interesting to see how that translates early.
Here are two other things to watch during Rams-Browns:
Final RB job
Ronnie Rivers (ribs) was back at practice Thursday and could be competing for his job in Cleveland.
With the top three running backs – Kyren Williams, Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter – locked in, the question is if the Rams will keep a fourth on the roster as they did last year and whom it might be. Rivers has been a steady special-teams presence for the Rams the past two seasons and is valuable in that role.
But second-year back Cody Schrader has had a strong preseason with 18 carries for 107 yards, plus three receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown. He’s someone the Rams like and kept on their 53-man roster a year ago despite him not having a game-day role. Saturday could help the Rams clarify whom they want to keep between the two.
Last offensive lineman
With interior lineman Willie Lampkin likely headed to injured reserve with ankle and PCL sprains, the Rams have an opportunity ahead of the roster cut-down date to keep an extra lineman on the roster.
Nine roster spots look secure ahead of Cleveland: Starters Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson and Rob Havenstein and reserves Beaux Limmer, D.J. Humphries, Warren McClendon and Justin Dedich. So with one spot potentially available, who could earn a roster spot Saturday?
Veteran tackle David Quessenberry has gotten a good amount of run with the first- and second-team offense through camp. But second-year lineman K.T. Leveston could have an edge with his ability to play guard or tackle. The Rams don’t have a swing lineman this season as they have in recent years with Joe Noteboom, and Leveston could fill that void.
Rams at Browns
When: 10 a.m. Saturday
Where: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland
TV/radio: Ch. 7/710 AM