Rams News: Joey Bosa may play against Rams, Derwin James out

JOEY BOSA EXPECTED TO COME OFF IR BEFORE CHARGERS FACE RAMS (foxsports)

“Coach Brandon Staley mentioned on Friday that Bosa has had two good practices this week. Bosa has missed the final 12 video games after tearing his proper groin through the first half of a Sept. 25 recreation towards the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Bosa had surgical procedure to each the left and proper groin. He mentioned on Thursday that he had been coping with abductor muscle points for no less than two years.

“We didn’t wish to designate him to return if we didn’t really feel like he was able to going on the market and performing. He regarded good within the practices,” Staley mentioned. “What’s been wonderful for me to see is simply how he feels now. There’s only a piece there the place I really feel good. I’m excited to see him go on the market and play soccer like I do know he is aware of how and to have that freedom to know that he’s wholesome.”

Staley didn’t say what number of snaps Bosa would play towards the Rams. The Chargers (9-6) have already clinched a playoff spot, however may nonetheless be in place to earn the fifth seed in the event that they win their ultimate two video games.

Derwin James has been declared out after sustaining a concussion in Monday night time’s win over the Indianapolis Colts. Will probably be the third recreation within the final 4 weeks the Professional Bowl security has missed.”

Rams have one other troublesome quarterback contract to navigate (nbcsports)

“The glass-half-full Rams would by no means dare to confess that, in hindsight, they could have given Matthew Stafford too good of a deal, and that they at present are going through a damned-if-they-do-damned-if-they-don’t determination on Stafford’s future.

Stafford has mentioned he’s not retiring. Why would he? On March 19, one other $57 million in compensation turns into absolutely assured. And that’s after the Rams gave him $61.5 million in 2022.

Stafford is sweet, when he has sufficient time to do away with the ball. And when he has a operating recreation. And when he can keep away from taking the sorts of hits that get him injured. This yr was a catastrophe for Stafford and the Rams.

However what can they do? A commerce earlier than March 19, when the $57 million vests, would set off a $48 million cap cost. Slicing him with a post-June 1 designation earlier than March 19 would end in $12 million hitting the cap this yr, and $36 million in 2024.

These are the one options to protecting Stafford. And, if he’s nonetheless unable to move a bodily by the center of March as a result of spinal cord contusion that ended his 2022 season prematurely, they wouldn’t have the ability to commerce him or lower him anyway.

If he’s wholesome, although, what do they do? Contemplating the broad vary of accessible veteran quarterbacks for 2023, would they throw $57 million in good cash after what might have been a foul funding of $61.5 million — particularly because the Rams proceed to navigate the rocky aftermath of their all-in, “eff them picks” quest for a Tremendous Bowl win?

The Rams could also be taking a look at one other yr or two or extra of struggles. Why pay a lot to a quarterback who’s about to be 35? And it appears like an outdated 35, given the varied accidents he’s had each in Detroit and L.A.

The Rams would certainly scoff on the prospect of transferring on from Stafford, the identical manner they scoffed on the prospect of not giving Goff a second contract that they later escaped solely by tucking an additional first-round choose into the Stafford commerce package deal.”

Rams injury report: Leonard Floyd, Tyler Higbee questionable vs. Chargers (ramswire)

“Holding with the irritating custom of 2022, the Los Angeles Rams have a few starters who’re coping with accidents this week, which has been the case seemingly each week this season. Heading into Sunday’s recreation towards the Chargers, the Rams are itemizing Leonard Floyd and Tyler Higbee as questionable to play.

Floyd has a abdomen bug and is unsure to play. He solely popped up on the injury report Friday after getting a relaxation day on Thursday. Higbee was restricted on Thursday and had his elbow checked out, however Sean McVay mentioned he’s anticipated to play.

Greg Gaines is coping with a shoulder injury however he’s practising on Friday and must be good to go for Sunday towards the Chargers. He doesn’t carry an injury designation into this recreation, nor does Ty Nsekhe or Marquise Copeland.”

Rams vs. Chargers Preview: Crosstown Rivals Conflict (ramsdigest)

“Regardless of the Rams formally being eradicated from postseason competition, they confirmed life in a 51-14 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. It was Mayfield’s finest efficiency in his three video games with Los Angeles, finishing 24 of 28 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns with a 85.7 p.c completion price.

“It’s been one thing actually particular,” Mayfield mentioned. “All people retains speaking about the truth that we’re eradicated from the playoffs, however this can be a locker room that desires to compete and desires to win any likelihood you may have and any alternative that we will get. It’s been enjoyable. It’s a particular locker room, and I’m completely happy to be part of it.”

Since including Mayfield to the roster, the Rams are 2-1. When the Rams tackle the Chargers on Sunday, they are going to be going through former defensive coordinator Brandon Staley for the primary time. Staley took over as head coach of the Chargers in 2021.

The Chargers are contemporary off clinching their first playoff berth of the Justin Herbert period in a 20-3 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Will probably be the Chargers first postseason look since 2018.”

N.F.L. Week 17 Predictions: Our Picks for Every Sport (nytimes)

“For a lot of N.F.L. groups, these final two weeks of the common season are essential — both to their playoff hopes and seeding, or to securing future draft picks.

The Payments are clinging to the A.F.C.’s high seed, which might give Buffalo home-field benefit within the playoffs, however they should maintain profitable to be able to stop one other January trek to Arrowhead Stadium.

The Jaguars are going through the left-for-dead Texans, in a matchup meaning nothing to most N.F.L. followers however may assist decide whether or not Jacksonville can push Tennessee out of the operating for the A.F.C. South crown.

Chicago may very well be angling for the highest draft choose however gained’t shut down Justin Fields or roll over for the Lions, whereas Las Vegas is pulling the plug on Derek Carr with two video games remaining.

Predicting which groups will win these ultimate regular-season matchups is as a lot about assessing their objectives as it’s about evaluating their relative strengths and weaknesses. In any case, what good is a energy whether it is sitting on the bench?”