2 min read • January 28, 2022
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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay revealed to reporters before practice Friday that three key starters will return to play in the Conference Championship against the 49ers Sunday.
Andrew Whitworth, the veteran left tackle who missed last week's game, will play and so will rookie linebacker Ernest Jones, McVay said.
The ProFootballDoc team projects that both players will be limited in their returns, Whitworth with a knee injury and Jones with an ankle injury.
Regardless, having those two starters back is good news for the Rams on both sides of the ball.
McVay also said starting free safety Taylor Rapp would be listed as questionable. He has not played in the playoffs while recovering from a concussion he suffered Week 18 against San Francisco.
Rapp has logged limited practices all week and needs to log a full practice Saturday before potentially getting cleared by an independent neurologist.
If he can't play, that would be a big loss for the Rams' secondary.
Speedy wide receiver Van Jefferson is also questionable to play because of a knee injury.
While specifics about Jefferson's knee injury have not been revealed, the ProFootballDoc team expects him to suit up and remain a deep threat in the passing game.
The 25-year-old wideout played all his usual snaps in the win over the Buccaneers, but did not practice Wednesday. He was limited in practice Thursday and will likely log a limited practice again Friday.
Whitworth's backup, left tackle Joe Noteboom, suffered a strained pectoral muscle in the win over the Buccaneers and will be listed as doubtful, McVay told reporters.
His injury could become significant if Whitworth reinjures his knee during the game.
The Rams are 3.5-point favorites at home against the 49ers this Sunday, according to FanDuel SportsBook.
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