The Los Angeles Rams could be in need of help for the preseason finale amid a new injury behind Myles Garrett–who has dealt with his own injury issues–and Byron Young, as Keir Thomas suffered an injury against the New Orleans Saints.
While the full extent had yet to be revealed, the Rams’ decision on his status told a telling story.
“Rams Injury Update: OLB Keir Thomas II (groin) is OUT,” the Rams posted on X on August 22, amid the third quarter of their preseason tilt.
Keir Thomas Injured vs Saints
Thomas, listed as Young’s backup, is someone the Rams are high on. The Athletic’s Nate Atkins noted in July, “The Rams have held their interest in Thomas since signing him as an undrafted free agent in 2022 before adding him to the opening roster that season.”
Rams head coach Sean McVay met with the media after the game.
The Rams also lost inside linebacker Daniel Rickert to a knee injury during the contest, further depleting their group.
“Don’t have anything on that. Keir is so tough. Hopefully, he’s okay,” McVay told reporters during his media availability. “Looked like it was a knee with Daniel, but I haven’t gotten any confirmation on that.
A former undrafted free agent, this is Thomas’ fifth NFL season, all spent with LA.
He did not play during the 2025 regular season. However, he has 13 total tackles in 17 career games with one start along the way. He has also played in three playoff games.
Thomas has largely been a special teams contributor for the Rams. However, depth is critical in the NFL. That is especially true for a team looking to make a deep run. He made a good impression during the Rams’ preseason opener.
That just adds to the unfortunate nature of his injury.
“Keir Thomas has consistently gotten to the quarterback today!” Rams On SI’s Blaine Grisak posted on X on August 15. “Another pressure there on third down.”
Rams Rookie Takes Advantage of Opportunity
Thomas’ early exit led to increased reps in the Rams’ defense for undrafted rookie Wesley Bailey, who did not disappoint.
The Associated Press’ Greg Beacham posted in the wake of Thomas’ injury and subsequent status change, saying, “In possibly related news, Rams LB Wesley Bailey continues to make a lot of plays today.”
Bailey finished the contest with 5 total tackles and 1.0 sacks against the Saints.
Rams Wire’s Cameron DaSilva wrote on August 7 that Bailey could be a “hidden gem” for McVay and Los Angeles.
“What makes Bailey especially intriguing is his athletic profile,” DaSilva wrote. “He’s about 6-foot-5 and has outstanding burst off the line, as evidenced by his 1.53-second 10-yard split when running the 40-yard dash. His relative athletic score (RAS) of 9.83 is one of the highest ever by an edge rusher, ranking 40th out of 2,239 players since 1987.”
Rams Lose Promising Young Linebacker Behind Byron Young to Injury Against Saints