The Los Angeles Rams will be dealing with the struggles that come with a short week as they prepare for a Thursday Night Football clash with the New Orleans Saints.
Fortunately for them, hosting Week 16’s opener cuts down on travel time and gets an extra night’s sleep in one’s own bed, but limited time to practice and recover tends to have an impact on Thursday’s proceedings.
Fortunately, Los Angeles got some good news on Wednesday. Like its injury reports from Monday and Tuesday, injury designations were an estimate. Tuesday and Wednesday saw the Rams go through walkthroughs rather than a typical practice.
Los Angeles will welcome back tackle Rob Havenstein (groin) and receiver Tutu Atwell (concussion) back after missing Week 15’s home win against the Washington Commanders. The Rams dominated, winning 28-20 in a game that saw garbage time close the gap on the scoreboard.
Firmly in must-win mode, Los Angeles (7-7) hosts a Saints team (7-7) that – while frustrating – is more than talented enough to threaten the Rams’ playoff aspirations. Los Angeles must go 2-1, but Week 18 comes against the San Francisco 49ers, so head coach Sean McVay’s squad will feel a sense of urgency.
Receiver Demarcus Robinson played well in the win, filling in for Atwell and seeing 95 percent of the team’s offensive snaps. He played well, posting two catches for 44 yards and a score to go along with a 23-yard rush. Getting Atwell back gives the Rams a more explosive offense to stretch the field horizontally with.
Of course, Havenstein will be a big help, too. New Orleans’ front seven has played fairly well, and his return means lineman Joe Noteboom – who replaced him but is now questionable (foot) – does not need to get back immediately.
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (groin) had an injury scare but is projected to play, and running back Ronnie Rivers is bound to return as well, though his snaps may be fleeting.
Contrarily, rookie defensive back Tre Tomlinson, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, was ruled out after three “Did Not Participate in Practice” designations.
Expect the Rams to be healthier on Thursday than they were for last week’s win in what shakes up to be a high-stakes prime-time matchup.
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