Los Angeles Rams

Rams taking cautious approach with top pick Gurley during camp

Published Aug. 3, 2015 2:58 p.m. ET

foxsports

Drafting Todd Gurley as the Rams' running back for the future had and will have its implications.

Zac Stacy requested a trade upon hearing Gurley's name called by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Then there's second-year man Tre Mason, who put together a solid rookie campaign in which he totaled 765 rushing yards (4.3 yards per carry) and four touchdowns, including two 100-plus yard games. Even Mason tweeted a subtle message: "Doubting me?" after the selection.

Who will the Rams' opening day starter is unknown. The big question is whether Gurley will be ready to start in Week 1. So far, he's made significant progress in his rehab from a torn ACL last November. Still, the Rams are not pushing his limits, even though he was cleared to participate in training camp practices.

“It’s frustrating because you know you just feel like you can go or you know you just feel like you can do much more than the trainers or the coaches are giving you,” Gurley said, via AJC.com. “But, they are just trying to protect you and they’ve been through this, they have years of experience. So, no need to rush it.”

The coaching staff is certainly right in not trying to push Gurley too far in training camp. Even head coach Jeff Fisher allowed the Georgia product isn't even 100 percent yet.

It would be best served to have Gurley see the field when it matters. After all, the only games that count start Sept. 13 for the Rams.

(h/t AL.com)