There’s a reason Sean McVay doesn’t play his starters in the preseason, and it’s because of the risk of injury. The Rams were reminded of that this weekend when they lost two rookies to injuries.

Logan Bruss tore his ACL and MCL in the loss and will miss his rookie season. Edge rusher Daniel Hardy suffered a high ankle sprain and will need a procedure to fix the injury.

McVay said Hardy is a candidate to likely start the year on IR, but it’s not a season-ending injury. In order to play this season, Hardy will need to make the 53-man roster before going on IR.

“Won’t affect his whole season, but he’s a guy that’s a candidate to probably start the season on designated IR,” McVay said.

Hardy’s playing time was limited Friday and it was unclear why. The injury is obviously the reason for that, exiting in the first quarter.

With Hardy out, players such as Keir Thomas, Chris Garrett and Brayden Thomas will get more opportunities.