Rams cornerback E.J. Gaines is back to frustrating opponentsBy VINCENT BONSIGNORE / STAFF COLUMNIST
THOUSAND OAKS – To understand where E.J. Gaines is at the moment it’s important to remember everything he’s been through the past 24 months. To do so is a case study in the roller-coaster ride professional sports sometimes takes its participants, rising as high as the imagination is willing and as low as it can bear.
For now, the ride has leveled off, with Gaines returning from more than a year-long battle with foot and leg injuries that cost him his entire second season and all of the first three games of this year.
It’s time Gaines will never get back, frustration he wouldn’t wish on anyone and a grueling match of mental gymnastics in which he battled pain, worry, apprehension and impatience.
“Frustration beyond frustration,” is how Gaines described it.
He finally made it back to the field on Sunday in the Rams’ 17-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals, steadying the Rams secondary with seven tackles and two passes defended. His presence completes the Rams’ cornerback picture, the eventual depth chart consisting of Gaines as the starter opposite Trumaine Johnson, Lamarcus Joyner in the slot and Troy Hill a valuable reserve in nickel and dime packages.
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