UPDATE: It looks like Bradon Gibson may start this week against the Arizona Cardinals.

I hated to see Will Witherspoon leave, but I’d have to say that I am pleasantly surprised by the performance of Brandon Gibson.  He is a much needed addition to the Rams receiving core that has been plagued with mediocrity and injury.

Gibson (and a fifth round draft pick) was picked up from the Eagles in October in a trade for linebacker Will Witherspoon.  In 2008 Gibson played for Washington State University which completed its Pac-10 season an abysmal 2-11.  However, Gibson finished his college career at Washington State as the school’s all-time leading receiver with 2,756 yards and 182 receptions along with 17 touchdowns.  His senior year Gibson was given honorable mention All-Pacific-10 Conference and the team’s Offensive Most Valuable Player.

In his first appearance as a Ram, Gibson came out and impressed.  He racked up a team season-high of 93 yards on seven catches (this is a Rams record for a rookie’s first game).  Prior to week 10, the Rams top receivers production per game is as follows:

Week

 Opponent Top Rams Rec Yards

Other

10

 Saints Brandon Gibson

93

9

 Bye

8

 Detroit Keenan Burton

54

7

 Colts Donnie Avery

58

6

 Jaguars Keenan Burton

37

X

5

 Vikings Donnie Avery

87

4

 49ers Donnie Avery

47

3

 Packers Keenan Burton

37

x

2

 Redskins Laurent Robinson

54

1

 Seattle Laurent Robinson

87

(In weeks 3 and 6 Steven Jackson caught passes for 46 and 78 yards respectively.)

It was announced Monday that Keenan Burton’s knee injury will require surgery and end his season. This will open up a huge opportunity for Gibson in this weekend’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. In addition, two of the Cardinals cornerbacks didn’t practice Wednesday – CBs Bryant McFadden (ankle) and Michael Adams (hamstring). Let’s hope our exciting new rookies can take advantage and help get us a win.