In order to be ready for their Thursday Night Football matchup against the New Orleans Saints, the Los Angeles Rams will have to overcome the challenges that come with having a short week.
Luckily, they get to spend one less night traveling and spend more time in their own bed by hosting the Week 16 opener. However, having less time to train and recuperate usually affects Thursday’s activities.
Thankfully, Los Angeles received some positive news on Wednesday. The injury classifications, like its reports from Monday and Tuesday, were estimates. Rather of doing a regular practice, the Rams had walkthroughs on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Both receiver Tutu Atwell (concussion) and tackle Rob Havenstein (groin) will be back for Los Angeles after missing the team’s home victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 15. In a game when garbage time allowed the score to close, the Rams triumphed 28-20.
Los Angeles (7-7) is firmly in must-win mode as they take on the frustrating but more than capable Saints club (7-7) to put the Rams’ hopes of making the playoffs in jeopardy. Los Angeles has to finish 2-1, but they have a big game against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18, thus head coach Sean McVay’s team will be under pressure.
Replacing Atwell and receiving 95% of the team’s offensive snaps, receiver Demarcus Robinson had a strong performance in the victory. He was effective on the field, logging two receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown in addition to a 23-yard sprint. With Atwell returning, the Rams will have a more potent attack that can cover more ground.
Havenstein, of course, will also be a huge assistance. His return frees up guard Joe Noteboom, who took his place but is now doubtful due to a foot injury, to focus on helping New Orleans’ front seven, which has performed admirably.
Although there was a scare about his injury, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (groin) is expected to participate, and running back Ronnie Rivers will almost certainly return, though his playing time may be limited.
Tre Tomlinson, a rookie defensive back who is sidelined due to a hamstring ailment, was ruled out following three classifications of “Did Not Participate in Practice.” In what promises to be a high-stakes prime-time showdown, expect the Rams to be healthier on Thursday than they were for the victory last week.