The Los Angeles Rams were without Andrew Whitworth and Taylor Rapp on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who starters who have played most of the snaps this season. Joe Noteboom and Nick Scott both played great in their place, but the Rams would love to get Whitworth and Rapp back for the NFC Championship Game.
Sean McVay said Monday that both players are on track to play against the San Francisco 49ers this weekend, which is excellent news for the Rams – especially considering Noteboom strained his pec at the end of the game. He’ll be monitored throughout the week.
Sean McVay said LT Joe Noteboom has a strained pec, happened during the 2-min sequence at end of game. Will monitor him this week.
LT Andrew Whitworth + S Taylor Rapp both on track to play vs. 49ers. Whitworth responding well to treatment & Rapp is ramping up physical activity.
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) January 25, 2022
Elsewhere on the injury front, the Rams have a handful of players who have been designated to return from IR but have not yet been activated. Ernest Jones is among them, and McVay said he has the best chance to play of any player who could be activated.
Sebastian Joseph-Day, Robert Rochell and Darrell Henderson Jr. are among those who have been designated to return from IR.
Rookie LB Ernest Jones has the best chance to play Sunday out of all the Rams who have lengthy injury absences, Sean McVay says: "He's definitely the guy who could potentially factor into the plans this week."
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) January 25, 2022
Jones’ return will definitely help the defense, particularly against the run-heavy 49ers offense where tackling is such a critical part of slowing them down. Jones has been out since injuring his ankle in Week 16 against the Vikings.