In order to prepare for the playoffs, quarterback Matthew Stafford and the majority of the Rams’ key offensive starters will miss Los Angeles’ regular-season finale versus Seattle.
The Rams (10-6) will rest running back Kyren Williams, offensive lineman Alaric Jackson, Kevin Dotson, and Rob Havenstein on Sunday, according to coach Sean McVay’s announcement on Friday. Last week, Los Angeles secured the NFC West championship.
“What I think is great about it is it will give us an opportunity to evaluate some guys that have done a really good job,” McVay stated. “We’re thrilled about the opportunity to watch some other offensive lineman perform. Jimmy will give us an opportunity to watch those receivers work. Blake Corum, a rookie running back, should have a healthy workload. Expect to see Cody Schrader, the third-string running back, try new things.
In order to give Los Angeles enough players to complete a game-day roster, McVay also stated that he will give a number of defensive players varied degrees of rest, but those players will probably be active for the game.
When McVay said, “We’ll give a handful of guys some work,” “Because of the youth that we have on the defensive side of the ball, we’ll be able to keep some opportunities for guys to play, but maybe not the amount of workload you’re accustomed to.”
Stafford, who has played every snap for Los Angeles this season, was already ruled out for Sunday. Against the Seahawks, Jimmy Garoppolo will make his Rams debut, with Stetson Bennett serving as his backup.
Nacua’s remarkable career will start with him finishing just 10 yards short of a second 1,000-yard season. Although missing five games due to an early-season knee injury, the former fifth-round pick recorded 79 catches for 990 yards and four total touchdowns.
Williams will finish with 1,299 yards rushing, 182 yards receiving, and 16 total touchdowns, while Kupp will finish with 67 catches for 710 yards and six scores.
Stafford’s 16th NFL regular season saw him pass for 3,762 yards and 20 touchdowns, both of which were career lows for a season in which he started at least 15 games. However, Stafford’s 28 sacks were his second-fewest for the season, and his eight interceptions were also his fewest in a full season.
Jonah Jackson will replace Dotson at right guard, and Joe Noteboom will start at left tackle in place of Alaric Jackson.
Last March, Jonah Jackson signed a three-year free agent contract with the Rams. However, he struggled with injuries early in the season and was unable to unseat rookie Beaux Limmer as the starting center.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!