Jordan Whittington injured his shoulder at the end of the Rams’ Week 5 loss to the Packers, but Sean McVay said the next day that it shouldn’t affect his availability for Week 7 against the Raiders. With it seemingly being a minor injury and two weeks before the Rams’ next game, it was assumed that he’d play Sunday against Las Vegas.
Despite being listed as limited all week in practice, McVay once again said Whittington was expected to play. And sure enough, he wasn’t listed on the Rams’ inactives Sunday afternoon, indicating he would suit up and be a key contributor on offense again.
Well, Whittington was absent from the first few drives by the Rams offense, which sent bettors and fantasy managers into an all-out panic. Despite being a rookie, Whittington has been an integral part of the passing game as a receiver, as well as the running game as a blocker. But for most of the afternoon, he was nowhere to be found.
Everyone wants to know why Whittington only played a few snaps, primarily on run plays where he was a blocker. He didn’t get targeted a single time and it was hard to even find him on the field. That’s how infrequently No. 88 was out there.
McVay wasn’t asked about it after the game, nor was Matthew Stafford, so it’s anyone’s guess as to why he wasn’t a factor. Was he simply demoted and replaced by Tyler Johnson? Is his shoulder injury still an issue?
At this point, no one really knows besides the players and coaches, but there’s no question it’s a mysterious and bizarre situation. Here are some of the reactions on social media after people bet on his props and started him in fantasy.
I’m not calling Sean McVay a liar…
…but why does Jordan Whittington have zero snaps if he is “healthy?”#Rams
— Matt Williams (@MattWi77iams) October 20, 2024
Rams need to be investigated for lying about Jordan Whittington’s health
— Jerry (@Paranormal_Bass) October 20, 2024
So who is with me on this class action against the Rams, NFL and media outlets for Jordan Whittington’s status.
— Casually Clutch (@CasuallyClutch) October 20, 2024
Careful they might mean “play” as in “Jordan Whittington was playing today” https://t.co/NbT0oOl3Uk
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) October 20, 2024
Love how Jordan Whittington is “active” but has yet to see the field with 3 mins left in the 2nd qtr.
— Iron Dynasty (@IronDynastyFF) October 20, 2024
I will never forgive Sean McVay or the Rams for the Jordan Whittington shenanigans.
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) October 20, 2024
