Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams (11) won't be playing in the season's first four games ... [+]
The Rams motor into Detroit for their season opener minus one of their most expensive off-season acquisitions.
Los Angeles cornerback Darious Williams was placed on injured reserve prior to Sunday night’s game against the Lions.
Williams, who signed a three-year, $22.5 million deal which comes with $7 million in guarantees, will miss at least four games.
His return in a Rams uniform is being delayed by a hamstring issue which has dogged him since training camp’s early stages.
It appeared Williams was trending toward participating on Sunday in the rematch of last season’s NFC wild card playoff game in which the Lions prevailed.
But after two weeks of practicing, Williams suffered a setback and now there’s concern about his status on Oct. 6 against the the Green Bay Packers, when he’s eligible to return.
Williams, an undrafted rookie, first landed with the Rams in 2018 after being released by the Ravens. He became a steady contributor, including in L.A.’s Super Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
He fled L.A. in 2022 when signing a three-year, $30 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, which included $18 million in guarantees. But the Jaguars cut Williams in March, a move that saved them $11 million toward their salary cap.
Williams tied a career-high with four interceptions in 2023 and that led to an expensive reunion with the Rams as they sought to solidify their secondary.
They also signed cornerback Tre’Davious White, but to a more modest one-year, $4.25 million contract with $3.2 million in guarantees.
White is being backed up by Cobie Durant, who also has a balky hamstring.
Josh Wallace is expected to replace Williams as the Rams try to slow Detroit quarterback Jared Goff, and one of the NFL’s most potent passing attacks, while at less than full strength.
