2 min read • January 17, 2022
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Injury Advantage: Cardinals Run Offense
The Rams have now been without defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day for a majority of the season, but the losses of strong safety Jordan Fuller and inside linebacker Ernest Jones have further diminished their run defense.
Nick Scott will start at strong safety in Fuller’s absence, but the team also signed veteran Eric Weddle off the street to serve in a backup role.
At 37 years old, Weddle is two years older than head coach Sean McVay, but three years younger than starting left tackle Andrew Whitworth.
ProFootballDoc, Dr. David Chao, said he has direct experience with Weddell and he's a very talented and smart player that will be able to fit into the defense.
But medically it is concerning that a 37 year old will play safety after not playing football for two years, Chao said.
The Rams gave up the sixth least rushing yards in the regular season, but face a running back duo that combined for 1,344 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Conner is questionable for the game with injured ribs, while Chase Edmonds had no injury status despite missing practice time with ribs and toe injury.
The ProFootballDocs expect both running backs to play, especially because the rib pain can be managed with a rib block injection.
Kyler Murray, the 24-year-old agile quarterback, should have plenty of room to run against the Rams as well.
Secondary Advantage: Rams Pass Offense
Key pass rusher J.J. Watt made headlines this week by returning to practice for the first time since tearing his labrum, rotator cuff and biceps Week 7.
Despite all the talk about Watt, the ProFootballDocs don’t expect him to be effective if he does suit up.
Watt’s backup, Jordan Phillips, is dealing with a knee injury and will also struggle to be effective if he plays.
Arizona’s No. 2 cornerback Robert Alford is on IR with a pectoral injury and slot corner Marco Wilson is questionable with a shoulder injury, while Rams wideouts Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. are coming in healthy.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford suffered a mild turf toe injury in the loss to the 49ers last week, which won’t affect his throwing ability, but could limit his mobility.
Los Angeles ranked fifth in the league for passing yards gained, while the Cardinals allowed the seventh least passing yards this season.
Check out the full matchup fieldview at:
https://sicscore.com/nfl/games/arizona-cardinals-vs-los-angeles-rams-1
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