The Los Angeles Rams will get some much-needed reinforcement ahead of the NFC wildcard game against the Carolina Panthers.
Safety Quentin Lake has returned to the practice field after suffering from elbow surgery, which forced him on injured reserve and required surgery, in Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks.
Before suffering his injury, Lake logged 10 pass deflections (his most in a single season, even with his injury), 61 tackles and a sack.
His performances for LA earned him an extension, with the former sixth-round selection signing a three-year, $42 million contract with the team.
Lake is one of the longest-tenured defenders on the Rams’ defense and understands the way head coach Sean McVay runs the team. And coming back for the playoffs adds a major boost in confidence for the defense.
Quentin Lake On Return To Practice
GettyQuentin Lake #37 of the Los Angeles Rams
The Rams and Panthers will open up the 2025-26 NFL playoffs on a short week, with the game being on a Saturday. With less time to prepare for the playoffs, the safety will have to shake of the rust immediately.
Quentin Lake spoke to the media before the wildcard game and was asked about his return to training.
“I feel great. It’s been awesome,” Lake responded. “You’re gone from football for a month and a half, and you’re like, ‘I can’t wait to get back.’ The biggest thing is, can you get back and feel good? And that’s exactly what I’m doing.”
“The training staff has done an amazing job of getting me ready, getting me prepared. And I’m running around [practice]. I got fresh legs. So, I’ma be good to go when Saturday comes… Just being back out there on the field with my teammates and with the coaches, it’s been awesome.”
Los Angeles played Carolina in Week 13 of the regular season, with the Lake missing the contest, and lost 28-31. Panthers’ quarterback Bryce Young threw over 200 passing yards and 3 pass touchdowns (the last time he threw for three in a game this season).
Lake, who also plays as a nickelback, could provide some much-needed help for the Rams’ secondary room in the wildcard and disrupt the Panthers’ pass game in his first game in almost two months.
The Safety On Panthers Offense
GettyQuentin Lake offered praise for the Panthers head coach
The Carolina Panthers squeezed their way into the playoffs, relying on the Atlanta Falcons to beat the New Orleans Saints, giving the Panthers the division title, but they should not be taken lightly.
Dave Canales and co. have already beaten the Rams earlier this season and could have the spell to do it again. As mentioned, LA lost to Carolina earlier in Week 13, with the Rams also losing two of their next four games.
Quentin Lake gave huge praise to Canales, calling him a great offensive-minded head coach and able to push the game to the limit.
The safety mentioned that the Panthers have great skill and have all the tools, highlighting the running back duo of Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle.
Coming off a dislocated injury and playing in a playoff game in his first game back, Lake will need to be on top of his game.
Rams $42 Million Captain Opens Up On Return From Injury