Sean McVay - Head Coach, rams Event: Press Conference | Date: 2026-09-19 | Full transcript (primary source).
Sean McVay, Head Coach of the Rams, addressed the media on September 19, 2026, during a press conference focused on the team's injury report ahead of their upcoming game. The discussion included updates on player statuses, including Cam Curl, Puca Nacua, and Jordan Whittington, as well as insights into the team's preparations.
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Transcript
McVay: Okay, hopefully you guys are good. As far as the injury report, Cam Curl will be listed as limited. Omar Spates will be full, Landman will be limited. Cam Kitchens will be a DNP, he'll be out for the game with his hamstring. Everybody else, Puca will be a DNP, he'll be questionable. We'll see with his hip, Jordan Whittington will be doubtful with his quad. And then everybody else that'll be a DNP, it's more of a rest. Those guys will be ready to go.
McVay: So I'm sure you're wondering about Puca is the first question. Really, he's got a little bit of soreness in that groin. Being smart with him as a skilled player, whether or not he plays, is to be determined. And so we'll see how he's feeling, but he won't practice today. And then Jordan Whittington is doubtful for the game.
McVay: And then on a positive, anything that we've seen, Aaron looks really good and excited to get him out there.
Unknown: So Aaron, you said yesterday that's his plan with-
McVay: Yeah, if he said it, he's going. So whatever Aaron says, I support. So no, but he's been awesome.
Unknown: With Puca, is this the same issue he was dealing with?
McVay: It's a separate issue. This is a different thing. So it was really more, I had a really good practice. I guess it was our Wednesday, but it was Thursday. Felt good, but didn't feel totally like himself, his ability to be able to kind of open up and really hit full speed. And so that's where he had some soreness in there. And so that's why we've kind of been smart with him the last couple days.
Unknown: Coach, when you look at your office in line, do you see Kevin Dotson and Steve O'Bela being interchangeable part?
McVay: I think they've been awesome, Dennis. The big physical guards, they're really productive in both phases. I think really the interior, you include Coleman Shelton into that. Those guys are huge parts of what we do. Everything starts up front. And really, I mentioned in the tackles with Alaric and Warren as well. But I've been really pleased with both of those guys. They provide a physicality, a presence and protection to keep the firmness of the interior parts of the pocket. And I love what those guys are about as far as who they are as people.
Unknown: Sean, you've maintained a friendship with Aaron all these years. How do you sort of see him differently now?
McVay: Well, I think if anything, I mean, I think he's just maturing, just continuing. I mean, he's always been such an impressive human being to me in all parts of his life. But you're seeing a guy that's just accumulated wisdom as he's growing. And becoming more experienced as a father, more experienced as a husband. I mean, he's all about the right stuff. He's one of those guys that inspires me, Maria. Because I think you become the company you keep. And you can never outperform your inner circle. And when you're around him, he's the epitome of modeling the way. Which is how he moves. I've said it before, he's the epitome of a man's man in terms of the quality of human, the way that he was raised from a great family. And he's a total stud. I love this guy.
Unknown: I'm not sure we really got to ask you about it because Rosser was also the leader of the day that Erwin and us just coming back. But what did Wesley Bailey show during the preseason that second season?
McVay: Sure, I mentioned it to the team when we talked to the 53. I mean, he earned the spot based on what he played like in practice and in the preseason games. Where you truly thought really the second preseason game where he really showed what he's about against the Saints. I thought he shined really brightly. I thought he was kind of getting his feet wet against the Chiefs. But big physical athlete, physical and stout at the point of attack. And then obviously can impact the game as a rusher as well. It was cool for him.
Unknown: Couple more, just a few more. Obviously, we've been talking to the Miles and I honor what it is you mean to me over that same week where a guy like Aaron Donald isn't going to see.
McVay: Yeah, it's big because it's a bummer. And really for Miles, we'll look forward to him getting back. Surgery went well like we talked about, but Aaron is a stud. And he's been at the forefront of setting the foundation of everything that we're about here. I remember when my interview process included meeting with him. And he's looking at me like, this is the guy that they're thinking about hiring. But it's really good. I think it's what he provides. It's a bummer and we'll look forward to getting Miles back. And we'll be better when we do get him back. But I think in the meantime, to be able to add a veteran presence, a guy that just shows what it looks like, doesn't have to say much when he speaks, everybody listens. But more importantly, like I was mentioning earlier, he just models the way. And he's definitely provided a spark for us. And you can see there's a lot of love that his teammates have for him, and a lot of respect and admiration just by how he carries himself.
Unknown: You've talked about some of your players have talked about camping in the bit to get back out there. For you personally, how long is this weight?
McVay: An eternity. It has been forever. We're excited to compete again, though, Gary, just like what you're asking. And the thing that's unique is, obviously, as a competitor, if things don't go down the way you want, you just can't wait to get back out there and go put yourself out there. And know there's always the unpredictability of the outcome. But let's go swing. Let's go for it. Let's apply some of the things that we learned to try to be able to have a better outcome in terms of what we're looking for, our style of play, the way we coach, and things like that. And so we can't beat a Monday night yet, but you're exactly right. It's felt like it's a very unique deal with the amount of time that's been waiting. And we've got a great challenge ahead of us. And we can only take it a day at a time, but we're excited as competitors to get back at it.
Unknown: Last one. Sean, a little bit more of a reflection of being your 10th season at the helm and just Monday night football, the true home opener. How do you approach it personally? Is there like a calmness to it or a level of excitement for you? How is it different?
McVay: I think there's always excitement. I don't take for granted how lucky I am to be able to do something that is truly a blessing, and it's never a burden. And I'm excited. I think that's an appropriate word. And really excited, just like what I was talking to Gary about, just to get a chance to go compete again. It was a unique start to the season, but SoFi is a great atmosphere and environment. Love our fans. Excited to hear them try to impact that game for us in a positive way. And we got a young team that's really confident, really well led by a head coach that I have tremendous respect for in John Harbaugh. And there was a style of play that was on display Sunday night when they played the Cowboys in their opener. And our guys are excited, but I'm certainly excited. And I think when you talk about doing this for 10 years, grateful is the word that I would say.
McVay: All right, thanks, guys. Appreciate it.
