The Los Angeles Rams have been without Kevin Dotson for multiple games, but he is expected to get the start against the Chicago Bears.
The Los Angeles Rams are getting healthier as the playoffs roll on. One player that has been missing is offensive lineman Kevin Dotson, who has been out multiple games due to an ankle injury.
Now, Dotson is expected to get the start against the Chicago Bears.
Getting Dotson back for the Rams is huge for the line and for Matthew Stafford. The Bears have a strong pass rush that is anchored by Montez Sweat, and Los Angeles will need to prepare for that.
Dotson missed the final three regular season games, along with the Wild Card Round. Rams head coach Sean McVay indicated that he was progressing well before the Carolina Panthers game, but needed some extra time to get fully healthy.
McVay also indicated that wide receiver Jordan Whittington is set to return to action after suffering a knee injury.
Most of the players who were questionable or ruled out against the Panthers are trending towards playing against the Bears, which is huge for the Rams.
Whittington and Dotson have already been stated to suit up, and cornerback Josh Wallace and tight end Terrance Ferguson were also upgraded to full participants in practice.
Wallace has been dealing with an ankle injury, and Ferguson suffered a hamstring injury ahead of the regular season finale, which kept him sidelined for that game and the Wild Card Round.
Now, it appears that the full Rams lineup will be ready to go. The only concern is with backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. He is dealing with a back injury and will be questionable for the game.
If Garoppolo cannot play, Stetson Bennett will step in as the backup.
McVay also indicated that Garoppolo has a "sore back" but is expected to play, per Stu Jackson of therams.com.
After losing Dotson, Ferguson, and Whittington for the Wild Card Round, the Rams are stepping into Sunday's game with a nearly fully healthy injury report.
Things can happen between now and then, and the final injury report will be released later Friday. This will determine if there are any other concerns, apart from Garoppolo.
For now, the Rams will face Caleb Williams and company with a hugely important healthy 53-man roster.
The game is expected to be around 20 degrees and potentially snowing, which would lead to the Rams likely leaning on the run. Getting back Dotson will be huge for protecting Stafford and for the run game.