Sam Bradford Injury: Are St Louis Rams' NFC West Hopes Derailed Already?

Sam Bradford was forced out of the game against the Eagles.  He sustained a hand injury and didn't return to the game.  Bernie Miklasz is reporting that his might be a major injury, which is causing some concern in the Rams' organization.  The original x-ray came back showing no break, but Bradford is experiencing numbness.  Coach Spagnuolo suggested that it might be a nerve issue and an MRI is scheduled.

The Rams were the favorite to win the NFC West, mainly due to the presence of Sam Bradford.  Bradford was surrounded by a strong offensive line and Steven Jackson.  The Rams lacked a top-flight receiver, but that was something Bradford overcame last season.  Bradford's ability to spread the ball around allowed the Rams to survive with the likes of Danny Amendola.

Rams Nation will be sitting on pins and needles as they await the results of Bradford's MRI.  Conversely, the rest of the NFC West will see this as a potential shake-up to the divisional race.  St. Louis still has a defense capable of keeping them in games.  However, without Bradford, the Rams will struggle to move the football.

A.J. Feeley will take over if Bradford is unable to take the field.  Feeley was once a promising quarterback, after some successful seasons as the Eagles backup.  However, after a failed stint as the Dolphins starting quarterback, Feeley was again relegated to backup duty.

If this is a long-term injury, the Rams will try to weather the storm, but likely will not be able to rebound.  Nerve damage is a scary situation that has the potential to be career-threatening.  I want to caution that nobody is talking career-ending injury, but still something to consider.

This is going to be a trying time for the Rams organization, as they await official word.  It would be a shame to see such a promising career interrupted.  We would all be losing out if Bradford misses significant time.

Jon Dove is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report, covering the NFL and NFL draft. Check him out on twitter @Jon_Dove42