Aqib

Talib

34-year-old Talib was placed on IR for the final 11 games last year. He reportedly turned down an offer from the Patriots this summer. One of the league’s better corners in his prime, Talib had 462 tackles, 35 interceptions, and 10 defensive touchdowns as a five-time Pro Bowler. He won a Super Bowl with the Broncos in 2015.

Talib said last week that he is healthy enough to play right now, but the Dolphins decided to make fifth-round rookie LB Andrew Van Ginkel their second I.R.-designated for return player. Talib was acquired from the Rams in a salary dump at the deadline and will be a free agent in March. He’ll never play a down for Miami.

Talib said he wasn’t a “happy camper” when the Rams placed him on injured reserve. 33-year-old Talib can’t return until Week 15, though it’s possible he is cut loose with an injury settlement before then.

It’s a Brock Osweiler-style money dump/launder. The Rams wanted to clear Talib’s salary off the books, and the tanking Dolphins were willing to do it for the price of a day-three pick. Currently on injured reserve with a rib injury, Talib isn’t eligible to return until Week 15, but the Dolphins could release him with an injury settlement before then. That could be the most likely outcome. If they don’t, Talib is in the final year of his deal.

The Rams are looking to lock up Jalen Ramsey long-term and in order to do that, they’ll need to clear significant cap room. Removing Talib from the equation would be one way to accomplish that (it could also help them recoup some of the draft capital they gave up in the Ramsey trade), though the veteran corner doesn’t seem particularly keen on leaving. In fact, Talib—who is currently on injured reserve with fractured ribs—reportedly nixed a trade that would have sent him elsewhere last week. We’ll see where the trade winds blow, though don’t be surprised if Talib is donning a new uniform come Tuesday at 4 PM ET.

Talib could return later this season after spending at least eight weeks on the injured reserve. The 33 year old hasn’t played 16 games in any season since entering the league in 2008. Talib was just PFF’s No. 99 highest-graded CB through six weeks among 117 qualified corners.

Talib’s absence is great news for the entire 49ers passing game. The Rams defense struggled mightily with Talib sidelined in 2018, allowing 31, 31, 20, 10, 27, 45, 31 and 51 points in eight games with him sidelined from Weeks 4-12.

Talib is playing for the first time since Week 3. His return is a downgrade for Kenny Golladay. RB Justin Davis, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, RB John Kelly, TE Johnny Mundt, OLB Ogbo Okoronkwo, DT Tanzel Smart and CB Darious Williams won’t be in uniform Sunday against Detroit.

Talib is expected to play Sunday after missing the last 10 weeks. It’s a needed upgrade for a struggling Rams secondary. Talib likely won’t be an every snap player in his first game back.

Talib will probably be on a snap count, but his primary objective will be getting back to 100 percent before the playoffs. Provided he’s healthy, 32-year-old Talib’s return will be huge for the Rams’ secondary.