8 takeaways from first practices

The Los Angeles Rams got a little bit of an early start on training camp this year, being one of the two teams that will play in the season opener on Sept. 8 as the defending Super Bowl champs. They held practices from Sunday-Wednesday this week, which were open to members of the media but not fans.

Open practices will begin on Friday, but let’s recap the first few days of camp and some of the thoughts shared by players and coaches in preparation for the upcoming season.

1
Coleman Shelton is getting a crack at RG spot

Shelton is getting reps with the starting offensive line already, working at both right guard and center. But with Brian Allen locked in as the starting center, Shelton is mainly competing with Logan Bruss at right guard.

That’ll certainly be a position battle to watch throughout camp because the Rams need someone to step into Austin Corbett’s role on the right side. Bruss and Shelton are both solid options, and the Rams will give them equal chances to earn the starting job.

2
Jalen Ramsey focused on getting healthy, not a new deal

Ramsey was originally going to be placed on the PUP list to open camp after undergoing shoulder surgery, but the Rams opted not to go that route. He was cleared by doctors for limited work in camp, and because he’s not on the PUP list, he can still participate in walk-throughs and mental reps on the field.

He still plans to be ready for the start of the regular season, saying he has “no doubt” he’ll be healthy by Week 1. He’s just focused on getting healthy for September 8.

What he’s not worried about is his contract. He was asked if he’s looking for a new deal after seeing Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp get raises, but that’ll come “when the time’s right.”

“I gotta handle what I gotta handle, and right now, for me that’s being a good teammate, getting the shoulder right, getting the rehab right so I can go have another good season and help this team in as many ways as possible,” he said.

3
Bobby Wagner will be defensive signal caller

Wagner confirmed that he’s going to be the Rams’ defensive signal caller, wearing the green dot on his helmet. He’ll relay the calls from Raheem Morris to the rest of the defense, which is the role he had with the Seahawks.

“That’s all I know,” he said of wearing the green…