Todd Gurley Injury: Updates on Rams RB's Thigh and Return

Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley's difficult sophomore season has been hampered by a nagging thigh injury, but it won't force him to miss game action. 

According to Myles Simmons of the Rams' official website, Gurley is available to play in Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.

There were huge expectations surrounding Gurley entering the 2016 season, but he has failed to live up to them with just 515 yards through nine games with an average of 3.1 yards per carry.

While offensive line issues and a poor passing game have contributed to Gurley's struggles, his fall from grace has still been surprising considering how impressive he was in winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2015.

Gurley missed three games last season, including the first two while recovering from ACL surgery, but he showed no ill effects in rushing for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns.

While Gurley is another year removed from the knee injury suffered in college, he hasn't been 100 percent healthy at all times this season, particularly entering Week 10, as he was dealing with a thigh ailment.

The 2015 first-round pick out of Georgia managed to work his way through that injury, but L.A.'s running back depth may be tested if he is forced to miss some action.

The Rams don't have much in terms of proven commodities behind Gurley, but Benny Cunningham is likely to receive the bulk of the reps in the backfield provided Gurley lands on the shelf in the future.

Cunningham has limited starting experience, but he represents a change of pace and has some pass-catching ability, as he made 45 receptions two years ago.

Although there is little doubt that Gurley has been a far cry of the version of himself that dominated the NFL as a rookie, losing his presence would be a major blow to Los Angeles' already-challenged offense.

Even when he isn't producing to the best of his ability, Gurley forces opposing defenses to game-plan for him and worry about his penchant for making big plays.

In the event that Gurley is limited or forced to the sidelines, the Rams' quality defense may be their best hope of enjoying success moving forward.

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