Thursday Night Football action in Week 16 will get underway when the Los Angeles Rams take on the New Orleans Saints.
There are significant playoff implications for the NFC Wild Card race in this game. Thankfully, there was some positive news in Tuesday’s injury report for Los Angeles.
Rob Havenstein, the seasoned right tackle, was listed as a full participant despite missing the Washington Commanders game in Week 15 due to a groin injury. The same designation applied to receiver Tutu Atwell, who was sidelined from Sunday’s action due to a concussion.
Instead of pressing his injured offensive players with a few games in five days, head coach Sean McVay made sure to use the shortened week as extra time.
Running back Ronnie Rivers (knee) and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (groin) were also listed as complete participants. Given Kyren Williams’ ascent, the latter’s influence is far from assured, but Witherspoon’s presence in the secondary will be valued, particularly if Saints receiver Chris Olave (limited, ankle) is cleared to play.
The Rams held a walkthrough on Tuesday, so these designations were only estimates. This is important to remember. However, it is generally anticipated that those contributors will suit up on Thursday.
On the other hand, Joe Notebook, the right tackle who took Havenstein’s place at the position on Sunday, is battling a foot injury. On Monday and Tuesday, he was noted as having “Did Not Participate in Practice” (DNP). Since the Rams did not practice on Monday, estimates were also included in the injury report.
In Week 15, defensive back Tre Tomlinson sustained a hamstring injury and was likewise listed as a DNP. It might be too much to hope that he will play against New Orleans at this time.
With both divisional and Wild Card hopes at stake, Los Angeles (7-7) will try to recover in time to play the Saints (7-7) team. Every healthy body matters because the Rams are 4.5-point favorites and the margins are fairly thin.