Sam Bradford likely to start next game
The wait for Sam Bradford to start may be over as A.J. Feeley suffered a thumb and elbow injury in the Rams’ latest preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. St. Louis’s number one overall pick is now likely to get his chance with the starting unit when the Rams take on the New England Patriots.
Feeley was hurt in the first quarter of last Saturday’s game when he hit the helmet of a Browns’ player while in his throwing motion. Feeley has not practiced since the injury and Coach Steve Spagnuolo has confirmed Bradford would start if Feeley can’t.
"Obviously, this goes without saying, if Feeley can't work during the week, Sam would be the guy," Spagnuolo said.
Feeley’s MRI results came back negative. He was with other injured players during practice with a protective device on his right hand. Reportedly, he is feeling a tingling sensation up his arm and the team is taking their approach with caution.
Bradford was the second-string quarterback in the Rams’ first two preseason games. He struggled against the Browns, throwing 6 of 14 passing for 24 yards. The Rams drafted Bradford first overall after going 1-15 last season and releasing Marc Bulger.
"I think I've played one game like this, maybe," Bradford said. "You have to realize that you probably can't make all the throws that you usually can, especially for someone who throws down the field."
Granted, it was very rainy and some dropped passes didn’t help Bradford’s statistics. Now if he is to start, he’ll get a chance to play with the best the Rams have to offer and it will be good for him to get some game reps in.
This is also a big opportunity for Bradford. The team’s plan was to insert Feeley as the starter, but the competition is open. If Bradford has a strong showing in Feeley’s absence, then his time as a starter may come as early as Week 1 of the season. Rams fans will be begging for Bradford to start, especially when he has $50 million in guaranteed money on his contract.
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