The Los Angeles Rams wrap up their 2019 season by hosting the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17, although the game does not carry much significance.
The Rams were officially eliminated from postseason contention after suffering a heartbreaking loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16, dropping them to 8-7.
To make matters worse, the team did not come away injury-free as star cornerback Jalen Ramsey went down with a knee injury in the second quarter. He was originally listed as doubtful to return although he was able to tough it out and finish the game.
After undergoing further testing, it appears that Ramsey is dealing with a Grade 2 LCL strain and head coach Sean McVay ruled him out for the season finale against the Cardinals, via Lindsey Thiry of ESPN:
Rams CB Jalen Ramsey is OUT Sunday vs. Cardinals because of a knee injury, Sean McVay said. It’s a Grade 2 LCL strain, according to McVay.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) December 24, 2019
The Rams shutting Ramsey down does not come as much of a surprise with no playoff implications on the line. All the Rams are really playing for is to finish with a winning season, which would be the third in as many years since McVay took over.
Ramsey’s first season with the Rams was a bit disappointing, although it was easy to see the impact he made on the defensive side of the ball en route to being named to his third Pro Bowl.
He was able to pick up his first interception as a Ram in the Week 16 loss to the 49ers, so hopefully, he can get healthy and build off that in 2020 when he and his teammates move into their brand new state-of-the-art stadium in Inglewood.