Rams Fans Can Breathe Easy: Key Players Are Nearly Back to Full Health After Recent Losses
Rams Set to Bolster Roster Ahead of Season Finale Against Cardinals
The Los Angeles Rams are optimistic about key player returns as they prepare for their season finale against the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday. Tight end Tyler Higbee is slated to rejoin the lineup, while safety Quentin Lake is expected to be ready for the upcoming playoffs. Star receiver Davante Adams may also make his return at that time.
Despite recent setbacks with consecutive losses to the Seattle Seahawks and the Atlanta Falcons, the Rams are looking to secure their seventh postseason appearance in nine seasons under coach Sean McVay.
“We’re getting healthy at the right time,” McVay commented on Friday, echoing sentiments from Lake, who noted, “The league and the world kind of knew where we were at when we were at full strength. We’re getting guys back at the right time and I feel like we’re going to hit our stride at the right time.”
Currently seeded sixth in the NFC, the Rams could improve their position significantly. A win against the Cardinals combined with a loss by the San Francisco 49ers to the Seahawks would elevate them to the fifth seed.
While McVay confirmed that starters would play against the Cardinals, specifics remain uncertain. The team is still navigating injury concerns, with running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, along with left tackle Alaric Jackson, listed as questionable. Right guard Kevin Dotson has already been ruled out for the game, raising concerns about his availability for the wild-card round.
The Rams will also decide on veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein, who has been on injured reserve since mid-November. Although Warren McClendon Jr. has performed admirably in Havenstein’s absence, his return would provide critical flexibility on the line.
In the previous loss to the Falcons, the team’s struggles were exacerbated by injuries, particularly on the offensive line. McVay remarked that the missing starters “give us the best chance to play at the optimum levels,” highlighting the impact of their absence.
As the Rams look ahead, they are eager for Higbee’s return. He tallied 20 receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns in nine games before his injury. “Just try to be myself, bring the energy, bring the physicality and try to make some plays when it’s my turn,” Higbee stated about his anticipated comeback.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford expressed enthusiasm for re-integrating Higbee, whom he referred to as “the ultimate team player.”
Lake, recently awarded a three-year contract extension worth over $25 million in guarantees, has been sidelined since undergoing elbow surgery. He indicated he is ready to contribute as the playoffs approach, stating, “The doctor was saying, ‘You came back pretty fast, but if you feel good and you have all the strength and range of motion, go ahead and cut it loose.’ That’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
Adams, who missed the last two games due to a hamstring injury, remains the NFL leader in touchdown receptions with 14. His participation will be carefully managed as the Rams aim to ensure he is in optimal condition for the playoffs.
Rams rookie receiver Puka Nacua expressed relief at seeing prominent players like Higbee, Lake, and Adams back in practice. “It’s fun to have all those guys out there,” he said. “I’d say their presence is definitely missed.”
As the team prepares for a crucial moment in their season, the hopeful return of key players sets the stage for what could be a pivotal playoff run.
