The Los Angeles Rams missed the presence of cornerback Aqib Talib against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. Fortunately, head coach Sean McVay is optimistic about his return.

Talib was forced to undergo surgery for an ankle injury he suffered in Week 3. McVay said he is hopeful about the veteran coming back in the regular season, via Cameron DaSilva of the Rams Wire:

“He did, yes he had surgery. Good news is I think the deltoid was intact. So, I think hopefully we’ll get him back sooner than later,” he said.

McVay's comments are a good sign that the Rams will be able to welcome Talib back at some point in the league season. However, the exact timetable of his healing process still has yet to be determined, he will be eligible to return the first week of December.

Talib was sorely missed by the secondary on Thursday. Quarterback Kirk Cousins eviscerated the Rams pass coverage all night with the 1-2 punch of wide receivers Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. Both Thielen and Diggs combined for 19 receptions, 258 yards, and a touchdown. Fortunately, the fact that cornerback Marcus Peters was able to play helped alleviate the pressure from cornerbacks Sam Shields and Nickell Robey-Coleman.

Although he still may not be 100 percent, Los Angeles will continue to rely on Peters to help stabilize the secondary until Talib can return. That said, Shields and “NRC” will surely be tested by opposing quarterbacks in the coming weeks. The Rams defense as a whole will need to figure out a way to shore up their pass coverage moving forward as well.