The Los Angeles Rams have ruled out Terrance Ferguson, Darious Williams, and more.
The Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers are set for a playoff showdown, and the Rams have ruled out multiple players ahead of their matchup.
Tight end Terrance Ferguson has been ruled out, which is not a major shock. He suffered a hamstring injury late into preparation for Week 18 against the Arizona Cardinals, which resulted in him being ruled out.
Ferguson's hamstring appears to be lingering, as he has been ruled out for the first playoff game.
Joining Ferguson is cornerback Darious Williams. Williams missed practice due to a personal issue, and he has been made unavailable for the Panthers game.
Offensive lineman Kevin Dotson and wide receiver Jordan Whittington were ruled out ahead of the game. Additionally, cornerback Josh Wallace was upgraded to a limited participant on Thursday, but he will not play.
Fellow cornerback Derion Kendrick has also been ruled out.
Quarterback Stetson Bennett is also inactive but will be the third emergency quarterback.
Losing Ferguson is a big hit to this dynamic Rams offense. He has emerged as a big weapon for Matthew Stafford, picking up a touchdown in each of his last two games.
The good news for the Rams is that they have Tyler Higbee back. Higbee rifled off 91 yards and a touchdown in his return game against the Cardinals. Colby Parkinson is also there, rounding out the solid unit.
Williams being ruled out is a surprise, but it could be that the Rams are favoring Akhello Witherspoon instead. Safety Tanner Ingle was also elevated, so he could act as depth for the secondary with Williams Wallace, and Kendrick is now out.
Despite Los Angeles being a big favorite in this game, it is supposed to rain, which could pose problems for both teams.
Expect the Rams to run the ball heavily with Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, but Dotson being out will impact the run lanes being opened.
Defensively, the Rams should aim to rattle Bryce Young plenty to force turnovers and mistakes. Jared Verse, Kobie Turner, and Braden Fiske should be enough to after the Panthers' offensive line. However, Carolina gets back Pro Bowl lineman Robert Hunt.
Either way, this should be an exciting matchup to kick off this Wild Card Weekend.