The Todd Gurley insurance policy: Meet Darrell HendersonLindsey Thiry
ESPN
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- It could, and perhaps should, be called a Todd Gurley II insurance policy.
But that is not how the Los Angeles Rams described their decision to move up in the NFL draft to select Memphis running back Darrell Henderson in the third round with the 70th overall pick.
Darrell Henderson rushed for nearly 2,000 yards in his career at Memphis. Justin Ford/USA TODAY Sports
General manager Les Snead characterized Henderson as the "change-of-pace" back that the organization has been in search of since coach Sean McVay arrived two seasons ago. And McVay said Henderson could "provide a different threat" behind Gurley and backup Malcolm Brown.
Both Snead and McVay’s descriptions of their newest back could be true.
But the Rams’ selection of Henderson with their second pick also raises more questions about the status of Gurley’s left knee, which kept him sidelined for the final two games of the regular season. Gurley returned for the playoffs, and -- as he shared carries with C.J. Anderson -- appeared to return to form as he rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown in a divisional-round win over the Dallas Cowboys. But he struggled in the NFC Championship Game, gaining only 13 total yards on five touches, and then was held to 35 yards in 10 carries in Super Bowl LIII.
“This had to do with his skill set,” McVay said, when asked if Henderson’s addition was tied to Gurley’s knee. “He was a player that we identified as a unique playmaker.”
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