The Los Angeles Rams are set to go head-to-head against the Minnesota Vikings in Monday’s Wild Card round at State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals. Rams rookie running back Blake Corum, however, will have to watch the clash from the sidelines after suffering a season-ending blow against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18.
Corum starred for the Michigan Wolverines and played a huge role in their 2023 National Championship run. Los Angeles drafted him in the third round at No. 83 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He had a golden opportunity to suit up in the postseason, but the 24-year-old’s season came to a sad end.
Let’s examine what happened to Corum and why he won’t be playing in the NFL playoffs.
What Is Blake Corum’s Injury?
The Rams were impressed with Corum’s production at the collegiate level, making him the third running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Corum joined a backfield that already features Kyren Williams, but head coach Sean McVay made it clear that the former Wolverine would have a significant role as a rookie. Yet, Corum didn’t get any minutes on the field in the preseason, and he didn’t play much in the regular season, either.
The Los Angeles RB got the opportunity to put up a show against the Seahawks in Week 18, with the Rams resting Williams. Corum started well, recording 22 yards from scrimmage. But before he could take his fourth touch, the rookie injured his forearm in the second quarter.
Corum was ruled out following the second half’s commencement after initially drawing a questionable tag. He was later seen on the sidelines with a sling on his right arm, and Los Angeles put the rookie on injured reserve two days later as the team geared up for the postseason fixture.
Corum finished the season with 207 rushing yards as well as seven catches for 58 receiving yards in his rookie season. There has been no update about the running back’s injury and his return. Meanwhile, the Rams have signed veteran Royce Freeman to increase the team’s RB depth.
Corum’s College Football Career
Corum’s college production got off to a bit of a slow start after seeing only 26 carries for 77 yards and two scores his freshman year in a crowded backfield alongside Hassan Haskins and Zach Charbonnet.
Charbonnet decided to transfer to UCLA ahead of the 2021 campaign, which led to a significantly expanded role for Corum heading into his sophomore season. He finished his second year with 1,093 total yards and 12 touchdowns on 167 total touches working alongside Haskins.
As a junior, Corum recorded 1,463 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, but then he tore his meniscus and sprained his MCL in November.
As a result, Corum decided to return for his senior season, and he was unstoppable. He rushed for 1,245 yards and scored 28 total touchdowns (setting Michigan’s single-season record). He was the only FBS player to score at least one touchdown in every game that season.
As previously mentioned, Corum led Michigan to the national championship, where he earned National Championship Offensive MVP honors. He ended his collegiate career as the Wolverines’ all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (58), total touchdowns (61), and points scored).