Todd Gurley avoids limited play count in NFL Week 1 match-up against Carolina Panthers

The health of Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley is an ongoing topic of intrigue in NFL circles but, in advance of the team's Week 1 match-up against the Carolina Panthers, all systems appear to be online for the talented ball-carrier. Rams head coach Sean McVay answered simply "nope" when asked if Gurley would be limited in terms of his play count in the season opener and, after a preseason in which Gurley was deliberately limited, that was welcome news. 

"I'm excited to see Todd Gurley continue to do his thing," McVay told reporters. "He looks good, he's feeling good and we're looking forward to Sunday." 

The Rams have talented options in Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown to spell Gurley if they so desire and, during training camp, both backups appeared on the field regularly. With the investment in the position coupled with evidence of Gurley's injury issues down the stretch of the 2018 season, many speculated that a sharply reduced role could be in the offing. 

Though the Rams haven't confirmed anything, there have been rumblings of an arthritic condition in Gurley's knee and that would help to explain the All-Pro having only five touches in the NFC Championship Game and only 10 carries in the Super Bowl. Until the lights come on with real regular season action, there is at least some mystery but, after a season in which he rushed for more than 1,200 yards and scored 21 touchdowns, Gurley avoiding a "pitch count" would be a very good thing for the potentially dynamic Rams offense. 

Los Angeles enters the season with 14-1 odds to win the upcoming Super Bowl. The Rams are currently 2-point favorites in Week 1 against the Panthers.