Pooh Paul suffers calf injury, missing key time for Los Angeles Rams in training camp

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay announced that rookie linebacker Chris "Pooh" Paul Jr. is sidelined with a calf injury. McVay emphasized the team is exercising caution with Paul, a fifth-round draft pick (172nd overall), stating, "We’re just being smart with Pooh. He’s got a little bit of a calf."

Paul’s absence impacts the Rams' inside linebacker competition, elevating Omar Speights and Nate Landman as frontrunners for starting roles during training camp. Paul joined the Rams after transferring to Ole Miss for one season from Arkansas.

During his 2024 season at Ole Miss, Paul recorded 88 tackles (50 solo), 11 tackles for loss (fourth on the team), 3.5 sacks, nine quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, one interception, and a fumble recovery. Ole Miss celebrated multiple draft selections from its 10-win 2024 team, including Paul.

Looking ahead to 2025, Ole Miss faces adjustments at linebacker without Paul. The Rebels return TJ Dottery and welcome transfers to the position, while star defender Suntarine Perkins returns from injury after missing spring practices. The team’s linebacker depth will face an early test in Week 2 against Kentucky to open SEC play.

In unrelated news, former Ole Miss defensive lineman Walter Nolen—now an Arizona Cardinals first-round pick—also suffered a calf injury, as reported by Ian Rapoport.