The Rams’ head coach, Sean McVay, explains why he started Ronnie Rivers over Darrell Henderson Jr

Some were amazed to see Ronnie Rivers start at running back for the Rams instead of Darrell Henderson against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Sean McVay clarifies Why He chose Ronnie Rivers

Sean McVay clarifies Why He chose Ronnie Rivers

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After opting to start the game with Rivers in the backfield, Sean McVay explained why Henderson wasn’t the starter against the 49ers.

Henderson’s breathing problems at the start of the game were the result of catching the flu earlier in the week.

Henderson came into Sunday’s game sick, having missed practice on Wednesday and only getting in a limited amount of work on Thursday.

With Henderson still not fully recovered, McVay decided to mix in Rivers to give him a break.

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Rivers led the offense from the start, accumulating 12 total touches for 36 yards while appearing on 36% of the offensive snaps. Henderson, on the other hand, had six total touches for 30 yards while playing 41 percent of the offensive snaps.

Henderson played more snaps than Rivers and Malcolm Brown despite his illness.

With the Rams looking for a boost in the running game, it will be interesting to see if Rivers continues to rotate with Henderson and Brown in the absence of a trade deadline.

About Ronnie Rivers

No. 30 – Los Angeles Rams
Position: Running back
Personal information
Born: January 31, 1999 (age 23)
Castro Valley, California
Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight: 195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school: Freedom (Oakley, California)
College: Fresno State
Undrafted: 2022
Career history
  • Arizona Cardinals (2022)
  • Seattle Seahawks (2022)
  • Los Angeles Rams (2022–present)