The Los Angeles Rams have announced multiple elevations ahead of their matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Los Angeles Rams are elevating multiple players ahead of their matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.
Offensive lineman AJ Acuri has been elevated, along with safety Tanner Ingle. Cornerback Roger McCreary was also activated off injured reserve.
McCreary was already well-known to be activated off IR for Week 17, as Rams head coach Sean McVay indicated that would happen with the intention that he would play against the Falcons.
With cornerback Josh Wallace out due to an ankle injury, Ingle being added to the lineup makes a lot of sense. Acuri is also being added to the roster, likely as insurance in case Alaric Jackson cannot suit up.
The Rams already ruled out Kevin Dotson due to an ankle injury, and Jackson has been dealing with a knee injury. He missed practice on Thursday and Friday, but was upgraded as a limited participant on Saturday.
Losing Jackson would be tough to deal with, as Dotson is also out. Acuri has been added to the roster in case the Rams lose two starters.
Los Angeles is set to play the Falcons in a game that still holds plenty of meaning for the Rams. Though the San Francisco 49ers beat the Chicago Bears, knocking the Rams out of the NFC West and conference title, there is still seeding to be determined.
The Rams could end up being the fifth or sixth seed when all is said and done. This could lead to either playing the winner of the NFC South or potentially playing the Philadelphia Eagles.
Another aspect of beating the Falcons is the first-round pick that the Rams own from the Falcons. A loss for Atlanta will make the pick number rise. It is currently at No. 11.
Though McVay has not indicated as such, Week 17 might also be the final time the starters play in the regular season. With the division and conference title no longer in play, the Rams may choose to rest starters to prepare for the playoffs.
Clearly, the team is beaten up, with Dotson, Wallace, Davante Adams, and more out.
The Rams, like most teams, are likely ailing at this point in the season. A week of rest could do well for the team to get right and to get some contributors back during that rest.
For the Falcons game, Jackson may be the only one on the injury report to remain concerned about. The full inactive list will reveal if Acuri will be needed.