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Rams bolster secondary by signing cornerback Jerry Jacobs

Detroit Lions cornerback Jerry Jacobs (23) warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
The Rams signed cornerback Jerry Jacobs on Saturday. He started 12 games for Detroit last season and had a career-best three interceptions. (Tyler Kaufman / Associated Press)

The Rams, battered by injuries in the defensive backfield, added depth at cornerback by signing free agent Jerry Jacobs, the team announced Saturday.

Jacobs, 26, played three seasons for the Detroit Lions. He is expected to bolster a position group that lost two players in the first two training camp workouts.

Derion Kendrick suffered a season-ending knee injury Wednesday. Starter Darious Williams suffered a hamstring injury Thursday and did not practice Friday.

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Coach Sean McVay said Saturday that Williams has a strained hamstring and will be monitored daily as the Rams prepare for their Sept. 8 opener at Detroit.

"We're definitely not going to rush him back," McVay said.

Jacobs played his final college season at Arkansas and signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2021. Aubrey Pleasant, the Rams’ assistant head coach and defensive backs coach, was the Lions’ defensive backs coach in 2021 and part of the 2022 season.

The 5-foot-11, 203-pound Jacobs started 12 games last season and intercepted a career-best three passes.

Jacobs joins a cornerback group that includes veterans Tre’Davious White and Cobie Durant, second-year pro Tre Tomlinson and undrafted free agents Josh Wallace and Charles Woods.

Etc.

The Rams are off Sunday. They will return Monday for their first practice in pads. … Receiver Tutu Atwell made several significant plays Saturday. On one, he sprinted down the left sideline and, with White in tight coverage, came down with a long pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford. … Kicker Joshua Karty attempted field goals for the first time on the main field at Loyola Marymount. The rookie made all four of his attempts.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.