When left tackle Jake Long was carted off with a knee injury on Sunday, the fear was that he tore his ACL.
Coach Jeff Fisher confirmed that injury on Monday, adding that Long also tore his MCL during the victory over the Buccaneers. Long will wait four to six weeks before having surgery and will spend the offseason rehabbing in hopes of a full recovery in time for the 2014 season.
“I would have confidence in him coming back. He’s an exceptional athlete and takes care of himself,” Fisher said.
The Rams will likely have to take a slightly different approach to the offseason in regard to tackle with Long coming off such a serious injury. Rodger Saffold will move back to his old spot on the left side of the line for Week 17 before heading into free agency, although the fact that Saffold has played 16 games just once in his career may not make him their top choice.