LOS ANGELES — Starting inside linebacker Ernest Jones was not present at Monday’s practice, a day after the Los Angeles Rams alerted him to the possibility that he could be traded.
McVay did not say whether he believed Jones would return to the team, only that the Rams are “working through some different things.”
McVay, addressing an ESPN report from Sunday morning that the Rams had given Jones “permission to seek a trade” (thus implying it had been requested), said specifically that Jones did not ask the Rams to move him.
“We never said that he requested a trade,” McVay added, “we’ve had communication with his representation.”
As The Athletic reported Sunday, the Rams let Jones know that he could be traded as they had conversations on the matter with other teams. Jones, a team captain and starter, was expected to play on the final year of his rookie contract after general manager Les Snead said in the spring that the Rams did not intend to extend him. McVay said Jones has handled the situation like a “pro.”
“These are parts of the profession,” he said, “they are not fun parts but they are real parts that you have to acknowledge. Ernest is a pro in every sense of the word. We’re just kind of dealing with it a day at a time.”
Potentially motivating the Rams’ openness to move Jones is the emergence of rookie Omar Speights, who Snead said will make their game day roster — in tandem with the reality that Jones will not receive an extension in Los Angeles.
GO DEEPER
Rams roster prediction: Stetson Bennett at QB3, suspension affects OL, ILB sleeper
McVay also addressed starting left tackle Alaric Jackson’s two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, though declined to share many details about the situation. McVay did allude to the team’s previous awareness of a situation involving Jackson that “could fall under” the league’s personal conduct policy, though was alerted to the suspension itself last week. McVay also said that there was not a legal process involved in Jackson’s suspension.
Jackson, who is also recovering from an ankle injury, participated in the portion of practice media was allowed to watch. The Rams could potentially be without both starting tackles in Detroit, because Rob Havenstein (ankle) may not return by Week 1, McVay said.
“There’s a possibility (he is back for the opener), there is a possibility that he misses it,” McVay said. “So we’ve got to be able to plan accordingly.” Warren McClendon and Joe Noteboom have been rotating in Havenstein’s place.
Havenstein is not an injured reserve candidate, said McVay — this would require missing four games.
Starting guard Jonah Jackson (shoulder) practiced, and is expected to be ready for Week 1. So will receiver Puka Nacua (knee) and cornerback Darious Williams (hamstring), who were partial participants Monday.
No. 3 running back Ronnie Rivers did not practice due to an illness. No. 3 quarterback Stetson Bennett (who will back up Matthew Stafford in Weeks 1 and 2 while Jimmy Garoppolo serves a two-game suspension) is dealing with a family matter and is expected back Wednesday.
The Rams will finish roster cuts by Tuesday at 1 p.m. PT.
Required reading
(Photo of Ernest Jones and Sean McVay: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
