The St. Louis Rams have lost the one player they could not afford to lose. Quarterback Sam Bradford has re-injured his surgically repaired left ACL and will miss the entire 2014 season. The loss is a big blow for both Bradford and the Rams. The quarterback was entering a crucial year where he needed to prove himself after not getting his fifth-year option picked up. On the other hand, St. Louis opted not to draft a top quarterback after putting confidence in Bradford. Now the season could rest on the shoulders of veteran Shaun Hill.
The chances of Bradford re-injuring his ACL were considered to be slim. According to head coach Jeff Fisher, it was 1-in-100, but it happened. The quarterback took a small hit from Cleveland's Armonty Bryant has he threw a pass. He fell to the ground in pain and then limped off to the locker room. Later tests confirmed the tear. Now, the Rams are trying to figure out just how to go about replacing the top draft pick as a timetable for a return is unknown.
"Anyone that's gone through that procedure and the rehab understands and to have it happen again within the calendar year is very, very difficult," Fisher said, via ESPN.com. "We're thinking of Sam. I met with him this morning. He's left the building to spend time with his parents. I really can't give you any timetable as to when he's going to have this procedure done."
Fisher confirmed that the Rams are not in any hurry to figure out their next move at quarterback. Right now, Hill will become the starter, something that may or may not work out. He replaced Bradford on Saturday and went 2-of-6 for 45 yards. The head coach told media that moving forward, Hill is "our guy" and would be the starting quarterback. If the Rams are promoting from within, Hill is the best option. The Rams drafted Garrett Gilbert late this season to pair with second-year quarterback, Austin Davis. Hill is the best available.
"This team is going to rally around Shaun, and this team is going to go play," Fisher said. "We have all the confidence in the world in Shaun. It makes no sense to jump and react right now and try to fill the hole, whatever it costs. We're going to take our time and evaluate this. There's going to be some quarterbacks that are getting released, and there may or may not be some quarterbacks that have trade value. We just don't know. It's way too soon."
The Rams have to make at least one trade to help with depth. They could make a deal for someone like Mark Sanchez or Christian Ponder who already has starting experience. They could try for someone like Matt McGloin of the Oakland Raiders who played a lot last season. They could take a chance on a player like Josh Freeman on the free agent market who would sign for cheap. For now, Hill is the man and the Rams simply have to hope things work out.
