The 2015 season has not started yet but the St. Louis Rams already lost a starter. They confirmed Sunday that cornerback E.J. Gaines will be unable to play for the entire year after undergoing surgery to repare a Lisfranc injury.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch first reported Gaines' injury, which he suffered during the first week of training camp when his foot was stepped on by receiver Kenny Britt while doing a practice drill.
According to the report, the Rams first thought it was related to his knee until after extensive tests and a visit to a well known foot specialist revealed that it was a Lisfranc injury.
"It's a tough break. 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," a team source said in the report.
Gaines was set to be a starter following a great performance last season when he took the starting job from Trumaine Johnson who suffered an injury during a game in the Rams' preseason last year.
Johnson's knee injury prevented him from playing the first seven games of the 2014 National Football League (NFL) season; and although he was able to return, Gaines remained the starter because of his excellent game.
Gaines played in 15 regular season games last season and missed the last game against the Seattle Seahawks because of a concussion.
The 23-year-old cornerback had 70 tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and eight pass breakups in the 2014 season, according to ESPN.
Gaines was set to compete against Johnson for the starting nod this offseason and was expected to get the role.
Along with competing for the starting cornerback position, Gaines is also competing with Lamarcus Joyner for nickel work.
Because of Gaines' injury, Johnson is expected to be the Rams' starting cornerback for the upcoming 2015 season.
