Rams without both punters for game vs. Raiders

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams have placed punters Johnny Hekker and Corey Bojorquez on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the team announced Saturday.

That leaves the Rams without a punter listed on the roster for a Week 2 preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday night at SoFi Stadium.

The Rams did not immediately announce who could serve as a reserve punter.

For a fourth consecutive year, Rams coach Sean McVay has opted not to play starters in preseason action, and this year he has taken it a step further, resting several key reserves as well.

Quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and backup John Wolford will not play against Las Vegas.

It’s possible that McVay could test the fourth-down capabilities of backup quarterbacks Bryce Perkins and Devlin Hodges without a punter.

A fourth-year pro signed over the offseason, Bojorquez has been challenging the four-time All-Pro Hekker for the position.

Both punted twice in a 13-6 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1. Hekker averaged 45.5 yards per punt, and Bojorquez averaged 43.