LA Rams: Resting Starters and the Unfortunate Fate of Blake Corum

As the Los Angeles Rams wrapped up their regular season in Week 18, they made a calculated decision to rest key players ahead of the 2025 NFL Playoffs. Head coach Sean McVay used the opportunity to evaluate seldom-used players and adjust strategies for the postseason. Among those given a chance to shine was rookie running back Blake Corum, whose potential had intrigued fans and coaches alike since his selection in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Corum, a standout from the Michigan Wolverines’ 2023 NCAA National Championship-winning team, entered the league with high expectations. His stellar college career as Michigan’s offensive focal point positioned him as a player who could elevate the Rams’ ground game. However, his rookie season proved to be a mixed bag, raising questions about whether Corum was mismanaged or simply unlucky.

A Crowded Backfield and Lofty Expectations

When Corum joined the Rams, he stepped into a running back room already brimming with talent. Kyren Williams, Ronnie Rivers, and Cody Schrader provided depth, making it difficult for the rookie to carve out a significant role. Compounding matters, Corum’s stature—compact and nimble—mirrored his counterparts, creating a backfield of interchangeable pieces rather than one with distinct roles.

Despite being drafted 83rd overall, Corum was given limited opportunities. His 58 carries for 207 yards and no touchdowns fell well short of the expectations typically placed on a top-100 draft pick. Yet, this lack of production wasn’t entirely Corum’s fault. The Rams have historically been conservative with their rookie running backs; Kyren Williams, for example, had just 35 carries in his debut season.

The Misstep in Week 18

The Rams’ decision to rest starters in Week 18 was meant to prepare the team for the playoffs, but it came at a steep cost. With increased playing time, Corum had an opportunity to prove his value. Unfortunately, his breakout bid was cut short when he broke his right forearm against the Seattle Seahawks.

The injury not only ended Corum’s rookie season but also deprived the Rams of a potential X-factor heading into the postseason. While it’s easy to speculate about what might have been, the timing of Corum’s injury adds to the narrative of a season where his potential was left untapped.

What Went Wrong?

The blame game is inevitable in situations like this. Did Corum fail to develop quickly enough to earn more snaps, or did the Rams fail to integrate him effectively? Evidence suggests it may be the latter. Before the bye week, Corum was an afterthought, but his workload steadily increased as the season progressed. His Week 18 performance, though abbreviated, hinted at the breakout many expected earlier in the year.

Given Sean McVay’s track record, it’s plausible that the Rams were biding their time with Corum, saving him for a postseason role. If so, that strategy backfired spectacularly.

Looking Ahead

Despite the disappointment, Rams fans should remain optimistic about Corum’s future. Kyren Williams’ leap to a 1,000-yard season in his second year serves as a blueprint for what Corum could achieve. The rookie now has an offseason to recover and refine his game, and his college pedigree suggests he’ll bounce back stronger.

For now, the Rams head into the playoffs without one of their most promising young players. But Corum’s story is far from over. With the right development and opportunity, he could become a key piece of the Rams’ offense in 2025 and beyond.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more updates on the Rams’ playoff journey.