Rams CB Derion Kendrick returns to practice. He could play Sunday despite arrest, gun charges

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Los Angeles Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick hopes to play Sunday despite spending nearly three days in police custody this week after he was arrested and eventually charged with two gun offenses.

Kendrick returned to practice Friday with the Rams (3-3) after meeting with his teammates and coaches. The second-year pro said he “lost a couple of pounds” during his time in custody, which didn’t end until Wednesday.

“I got with the guys and apologized for anything that I may have distracted them on for this week,” Kendrick said. “We’ve got something we’re always focused on, and I feel like on my end, I slowed that down just a little bit. … (But) I feel good. Strong mentally. Can’t let nothing like this really affect me, for real. Just keep my head up, keep pushing forward, and just trying to stay focused on what me and this team have got going on.”

Sean McVay said he hasn’t decided whether Kendrick, who has started every game this season, will suit up when Los Angeles hosts Pittsburgh (3-2). But after Kendrick returned to the team Thursday, the coach came away from their conversations convinced the troubled defensive back can stay on the right path by using his latest arrest “as a learning opportunity.”