Quentin Lake injury: Sean McVay gives

Rams security Quentin Lake might be sidelined for an undetermined quantity of time because of an elbow injury suffered during the Rams’ victory over the Seattle Seahawks, coach Sean McVay said Monday.

McVay said the Rams have been awaiting outcomes from an MRI examination and a session with crew doctor Dr. Neal ElAttrache before deciding how long Lake is perhaps out, whether or not he might be positioned on injured reserve or if it’s a season-ending injury that would require surgical procedure.

“Not great for our captain and leader,” McVay said during a videoconference with reporters. “Bummed out for him.”

Lake, a crew captain, has been one thing of an Ironman the last few seasons. He performed every defensive snap in 2024 before starters have been rested for the season finale. He performed every snap this season before he was injured on Sunday in the 21-19 victory that improved the Rams’ document to 8-2, prolonged their successful streak to 5 video games and put the Rams in sole possession of first place in the NFC West.

Josh Wallace changed Lake at the nickel spot on Sunday.

Safety Kamren Kinchens, who intercepted two passes against the Seahawks, received elevated snaps in Lake’s absence. Cornerback Cobie Durant can also play inside and Roger McCreary also is a candidate to play in that spot when the Rams play host to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.

Safety Kam Curl is an skilled veteran. But changing Lake’s management is a tall order.

“You don’t replace a Quentin Lake,” McVay said. “He’s so valuable for so many reasons with what he can do, with who he is as a human, with the way that he elevates and leads. … We’ll have to figure out what is the next best thing for us to be able to do.

“I think it would be insincere to think that you’re going to ask somebody to do the things that he’s capable of. It’s what makes him so special. But I do have a lot of confidence in the other guys.”