The Los Angeles Rams have made several roster moves ahead of their Divisional Round matchup with the Chicago Bears.
As is the usual case, the Los Angeles Rams have made several roster moves ahead of their Divisional Round matchup with the Chicago Bears.
There are set to be more updates on current injured players from Rams head coach Sean McVay. However, the team has made some roster elevations ahead of their game with the Bears.
As has been the case for weeks, the Rams have elevated linebacker Nick Hampton. Additionally, the team has signed defensive back Alex Johnson, while placing Akhello Witherspoon on the reserved/injured list.
Witherspoon suffered a re-aggravation of his shoulder, which kept him sidelined through the regular season. Now, that has landed him on the injured reserve list.
Johnson being signed to the practice squad is likely for Witherspoon now being out.
McVay indicated that multiple injured players should also be ready for a return. Offensive lineman Kevin Dotson has been out for three games due to an ankle injury, along with missing the Wild Card round.
Dotson has been working his way back, and McVay indicated he was making "good progress" and that he is expected to return to the lineup against the Bears.
Cornerback Josh Wallace has also been out due to an ankle injury, and he was nearly ready to return in the Wild Card game. McVay indicated he worked right up to the game, but chose to sideline him for one more game.
Wallace's return is good news for Akhello being placed on the IR list.
Tight end Terrance Ferguson also suffered a hamstring injury in practice that kept him out of Week 18 and the Wild Card round, but McVay stated that Ferguson was in the same boat as Wallace in terms of nearly being ready.
Witherspoon is the only crucial player who will be out for the remainder of the playoffs, while many of the injured players who missed the tail end of the regular season and first postseason game are ready to return.
Los Angeles has a tough challenge ahead, as the Bears have been a very unpredictable team. Caleb Williams, like Matthew Stafford, has authored multiple fourth-quarter comebacks.
The Rams will need to focus in on starting strong, and staying there. They cannot afford to play catch up against a team that can do the same thing. With Wallace, Dotson, and Ferguson set to return, the team will get a big boost back on both sides of the ball.