WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – With starting safety John Johnson III out for an extended period of time because of a Week 2 shoulder injury, rookie safety Kamren Kinchens is one of the players set to see more playing time beginning with Sunday's Week 3 home game against the 49ers.
"Obviously when that happens, guys have to step up, so he'll definitely take on an elevated role and so will some other guys too," defensive coordinator Chris Shula said Thursday.
Kinchens' playmaking in training camp and the Rams' four joint practices in the preseason showcased his range and physicality. General manager Les Snead on one of the team's preseason broadcasts said Los Angeles' third-round draft pick has "definitely earned his equity and trust." Likewise, pass game coordinator/assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant said last month that Kinchens' attention to detail is "probably a little bit above par" compared to normal rookies. Pleasant also praised Kinchens' recall.
Kinchens has seen 14 snaps so far on defense; the other 23 of his 37 have come on special teams. Out of those 14 defensive snaps, he's lined up at free safety on 13 and in the slot on 1. That split somewhat mirrored his usage at the University of Miami; 67.4% of his snaps came at free safety, 32.6% in the slot, according to Pro Football Focus data.
"Just playing where they want me to be at," Kinchens said. "Kind of filling that role with JJ, or even if it was Q(uentin Lake) or Kam (Curl), just being a plug-in player. Wherever they need me to be, that's where I'm at to help."
Shula said Kinchens has been a "really mature rookie" since his first day with the team.
"Obviously, he's a guy that we knew when the pads come on, he kind of comes to life," Shula said. "Really good ball skills, really good communication. So really excited about him."
