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Snead says Ferguson is ‘not there yet’ but his time is ‘definitely coming’
One of the more puzzling storylines surrounding the Los Angeles Rams in the early part of this season has been Terrance Ferguson’s absence on offense. He’s played just four offensive snaps in four games, all of them coming in Week 2, and has been a healthy scratch in each of the last two weeks.
The Rams are deep at tight end with Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen, but Ferguson was their top pick at No. 46 overall and was viewed as one of the most talented tight ends in the class. Yet, he still doesn’t have a catch and hasn’t even been able to get on the field the last two weeks.
Sean McVay has remained optimistic about the rookie and expressed confidence in him, but how does general manager Les Snead feel about Ferguson’s slow start? He was asked by J.B. Long on the “Coach McVay Show” Monday about Ferguson not being involved in the game plan thus far and he said the rookie is “just not there yet,” but his time is “definitely coming.”
“We have a really good subset of offensive players, some of them with a lot of experience,” Snead said. “But not there yet – and not necessarily in what he can and can’t do. He had a really, really good practice last week. Just think about this: He’s our first pick and he has to go to our practice field as a scout team and put on the jersey of Mr. (Tyler) Warren. I’m sure they respect each other, same draft class, but he really, really did a nice job of acting like him and that’s where you can see his skill set. So it’s definitely coming. I know Sean wants to insert him so you’re going to take some of the load off of Puka and Davante because we’re only four games through, we’re in Week 5 and we’ve got a lot more left and hopefully some bonus weeks after that. I think that’s where we’re at. I understand the frustration part. I can’t imagine what he’s going through sometimes, but I would say just not there yet. Getting there.”
Fans certainly won’t be excited by Snead’s comments about Ferguson mimicking Tyler Warren on the scout team instead of scoring touchdowns like the Colts’ standout rookie tight end, but it’s a long season and players aren’t drafted for their potential in Weeks 1-4 of their rookie season.
The Rams have a long-term outlook for Ferguson, even if that means he won’t be involved much this season.
“Again, nothing he’s done, but he is probably more equipped today than yesterday to help the Rams because the more he goes out, continues to evolve in the nuances of what we’re trying to do. So as the weeks go on, he’ll only be more ready to play,” Snead added.
What’s especially frustrating about Ferguson’s lack of involvement is the minimal production the Rams are getting from their tight ends right now. Combined, Higbee, Parkinson and Allen have 14 catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns this season.
They’re not making big plays as receivers and though they are helping as blockers, the Rams badly need someone else to step up and take some of the pressure off of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams as the top targets.
Ferguson was a top-tier receiving tight end at Oregon and is elusive after the catch, unlike the Rams’ other players at that position. Sooner or later, he should get on the field but if he’s only relegated to scout team duties right now, it might be a little while before he makes a noticeable impact.
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