The St. Louis Rams are down a man in their secondary.
The team has lost E.J. Gaines for the season after the reliable cornerback underwent surgery to repair a Lisfranc injury in his foot, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
"It's a tough break," an anonymous team source told the newspaper. "But the team will roll on. He'll be 100 percent when he comes back. We'll keep him busy and keep him occupied during his rehab."
Gaines hasn't played or practiced since suffering the injury during the first week of training camp. He was a key member of the secondary and slotted to compete with Trumaine Johnson for a starting role on the outside across from Janoris Jenkins. The second-year cover man was also battling Lamarcus Joyner for nickel duties.
Losing Gaines is a rugged setback for the Rams. The sixth-round gem was a versatile draft steal who graded out higher than Jenkins or Johnson last season, per Pro Football Focus. The former Missouri star was also the only rookie corner in the league to start the first 15 games of last season.
Unfortunately for the Rams, he'll set no such streak in 2015.
Other injuries we're monitoring on this fine Sunday:
- Byron Jones is hurt again. The Dallas Cowboys' 2015 first-round selection suffered a shoulder injury following a collision during practice Sunday. The cornerback suffered a similar injury during his senior season at Connecticut and missed the rest of the season following surgery. Jerry Jones says the injury is "not as bad as it could have been", but warned that his first-round pick may not play in the Cowboys' next game against the 49ers.
- Kansas City's Saturday night preseason victory over the Cardinals came with a cost as starting guard Jeff Allen and running back Knile Davis both suffered knee sprains in the win. Coach Andy Reid downplayed the injuries, saying that both Allen and Davis should be back in a "few days."
- Browns third-string quarterback Connor Shaw will undergo surgery on his right thumb, which he hurt during Thursday's preseason loss to the Redskins. The team sent out a press release noting that the second-year passer is expected to miss an "extended period" of time. Thad Lewis now moves into the No. 3 slot behind Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel.
Shaw's thumb surgery has a 12-week recovery period. The injury might end his season, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, per a source who spoke to the player.
- The Buffalo Bills announced that kicker Dan Carpenter has been added to the active roster. The veteran missed the start of training camp with a hamstring injury.
- NFL Media's Albert Breer reported that Colts wideout Donte Moncriefwon't play Sunday against the Eagles because of a groin injury. That should mean more snaps for intriguing rookie Phillip Dorsett.
- Bills defensive end Jarius Wynnsuffered an ACL injury in Friday's game, according to Rex Ryan.
- Buccaneers offensive tackle Demar Dotson suffered an MCL sprain in Tampa Bay's first preseason game Friday, Rapoport reports, according to sources informed of the situation. Dotson is expected to miss six weeks. In an effort to replace Dotson, the Bucs will reportedly work out free agent tackle Gosder Cherilus on Monday.
