The Los Angeles Rams (8-7) will be fortunate to be fairly healthy as they take on the New York Giants (5-10) in MetLife Stadium. Their good luck is a legitimate factor in this playoff race, and Los Angeles will look to achieve healthier playoff positioning with a win.
That doesn’t mean Los Angeles will be at full strength for Sunday’s contest.
The Rams received the good news that offensive tackle Joe Noteboom is active, despite a foot injury. He’ll likely be starting in place of Alaric Jackson on Matthew Stafford’s blindside. Jackson was dealing with a thigh issue, but after being expected to play, Los Angeles ruled him out for personal reasons.
Additional inactives include defensive back Tre Tomlinson, whose hamstring held him out of practice this week. Linebacker Ochaun Mathis, running back Zach Evans, and defensive end Earnest Brown IV will all be inactive for Week 17.
The Giants, meanwhile, will be without rookie cornerback and young standout Deonte Banks. His absence is big for receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp who will look to dominate a New York secondary and ensure this one isn’t close.
Other Giants inactives include veteran receiver Parris Campbell, safety Gervarrius Owens, linebacker Benton Whitely, center Sean Harlow, receiver Dennis Houston, and defensive tackle Timmy Thorne.
Kickoff for Sunday’s game is at 10 a.m. (PT) on FOX. As 6.5-point favorites, Los Angeles is expected to take care of business, and having an almost fully healthy starting lineup is a good first step in doing so.
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