The LA Rams have faced insurmountable odds, must-win games, and overpowering skepticism all season long. It's no surprise because any team that opens the season with one win in five games does not radiate an appearance of post-season preparedness. But for the second consecutive season, the team has transformed during its BYE week into an unstoppable juggernaut.
The 1-4 Los Angeles Rams became a 9-3 juggernaut to finish the season with a record of 10-7. Had the team played starters in Week 18, the team almost certainly would have finished with a record of 11-6.
Resting players was the right decision. While the Rams offense did not pummel the Minnesota Vikings with 40+ points, the defense certainly had their way with the Vikings. The Rams sacked Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold nine times as the Rams shut down the high-octane Vikings offense, winning by a score of 27-9.
The Rams did get banged up in the Wild Card Round of the 2025 NFL Playoffs, with four players emerging with reported injuries. Yet, resting starters in Week 18 seems to have paid dividends. Not only did the Rams have no injuries in facing the Vikings, but starting TE Tyler Higbee fully healed after the game and is no longer listed on the team's injury report.
So, who is listed?
Los Angeles Rams roster
Rams Reserve Injured (IR)
- OL K.T. Leveston (IR/Designated to return)
- RB Blake Corum
- DB Derion Kendrick
- OT Conor McDermott
- DB Tre Tomlinson
- OLB Nick Hampton
Rams Injuries
Here are the players listed in the Rams final injury report:
- DT Larrell Murchison - Foot - Out
- ILB Troy Reeder - Hamstring - Out
- OT Alaric Jackson - Chest - Questionable
- CB Ahkello Witherspoon - Thigh - Questionable
- NT Bobby Brown III - Shoulder - Questionable
- IOL Justin Dedich - Illness - Questionable
The LA Rams need all three injured starters to suit up to face the Philadelphia Eagles. Starting left tackle Alaric Jackson has been superb this season. Veteran defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon was a late addition to the Rams secondary, but he has emerged as one of the best defensive backs on the team. And blocker-gobbler nose tackle Bobby Brown III will be crucial if the Rams are to have any hope of slowing down Eagles RB Saquon Barkley.
Thankfully, Eagles HC Sean McVay shared that all are expected to play against the Eagles.
So who will sit for the Eagles?
Eagles Injuries
- DT Byron Young - Hamstring - Out
Eagles injured Reserve (IR)
- DB James Bradberry IV
- DE Brandon Graham
- DT Byron Young
- ILB Nakobe Dean
- LB Ben VanSumeren
- OL Jack Driscoll
- OT Le'Raven Clark
- TE C.J. Uzomah
- WR Britain Covey
While the Philadelphia Eagles appear to be at full strength, they must face the Rams without two defensive stars who played lights out in the Week 12 matchup. Both linebacker Nakobe Dean and defensive end Brandon Graham are on injured reserve.
Some fans point to the return of WR DeVonta Smith as a wellspring of offense. But with the weather forecast devolving into a significant snow event, I'm just not seeing any wide receivers as main players in the offense. This will be a game won or lost in the trenches, and the Rams may be better equipped for snowy weather than some expect.
The Rams appear to be on track to have all starters suiting up and playing. That's very good news, indeed. As always, thanks for reading.
