The Los Angeles Rams are back from their bye and now get set to host the New Orleans Saints in Week 9.
The Rams should be getting some reinforcements as wide receiver Puka Nacua and right tackle Rob Havenstein are on track to return.
Cornerback Roger McCreary, who was recently acquired from the Tennessee Titans, is also expected to make his Rams debut.
However, it is looking likely that cornerback Darious Williams won’t play against the Saints due to a shoulder injury, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
Rams cornerback Darious Williams (shoulder) is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Saints at SoFi Stadium (1:05 p.m. PT, FOX). Head coach Sean McVay said “it’s more likely than not” that Williams won’t be able to play.
However, the shoulder injury doesn’t look like something that would cause Williams to be placed on Injured Reserve, according to McVay. Williams is expected to be ready for next week’s road game against the 49ers.
“It looks like something that, if he’s not able to make it, then I would expect next week for him to be back ready to roll,” McVay said prior to Friday’s practice.
Ultimately, the team erred on the side of caution this week with what McVay described as an “abnormal” shoulder injury for Williams. McVay also said he expects the team to elevate someone from the practice squad.
“He’s done a great job being able to get some individual (work),” McVay said. “The lat’s bothering him a little bit, and it’s more likely than not that he won’t be able to play. But you do have confidence in the guys that we’re going to be able to ask to step up.”
While it’s disappointing that Williams won’t be able to suit up against the Saints, McVay’s comments suggest the 32-year-old could return to the field relatively soon.
Williams has recorded 14 tackles and seven passes defended in six games (three starts) this season.
Saints starting rookie quarterback Tyler Shough against Rams
The Rams will have a unique challenge on Sunday as they are facing Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough in his first career NFL start.
The Saints are coming off a 23-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers which saw Shough replace Spencer Rattler in the third quarter.
The second-round pick out of Louisville completed 17 of 30 passes for 128 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. It was his second career NFL game, having previously appeared against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3.
Shough’s first start will come against one of the tougher defenses in the NFL, and it will be interesting to see how each side tries to counter each other.
