The Los Angeles Rams nearly blew a chance to lock up a postseason spot as they almost gave their Week 17 game away to the New York Giants.
The Rams were comfortably ahead in the fourth quarter, but a pair of missed extra points and a Giants special teams touchdown made it just a one-point game late. New York had a chance to take the lead on a two-point conversion, but Tyrod Taylor and Saquon Barkley were on the wrong page as the pass was incomplete.
New York even had a chance to win the game at the end, but Mason Crosby missed the 54-yard try and L.A. escaped with a victory. It wasn’t the way the Rams drew it up, but no one on the team or in the fanbase will complain about a postseason berth.
Los Angeles didn’t escape the game completely healthy, however, as Bobby Brown III was ruled out with a knee injury. However, it appears Brown avoided disaster because Sean McVay said he hyperextended his knee and is considered likely to play in Week 18 against San Francisco 49ers.
“Bobby, we’re fortunate that he just hyperextended his knee but he should be okay,” McVay said. “We were fearful that it might’ve been something worse. He might be limited in practice but we expect him to be good to go this week.”
Brown suffered a knee injury in the first half against New York and was later ruled out before the start of the third quarter. With Brown out, it led to more snaps for Kobie Turner, who had a career day when he recorded 2.5 sacks and 10 pressures.
Brown missed time previously during the 2023 season with a knee injury, so it’s a bit concerning that he hurt it again. Despite that, it sounds like McVay and the training staff aren’t expecting him to miss time.
The defense may feature plenty of new faces and inexperienced players, but Brown’s been steady up front when he’s available. Hopefully he’s able to stay healthy as Los Angeles will need everyone to beat San Francisco.
Alaric Jackson expected to return to Rams after missing Week 17
The Rams dealt with an unexpected absence against the Giants as Alaric Jackson was ruled out due to personal reasons. Jackson has been the starting left tackle this year and has held up well, so him missing the game on such short notice rang some alarms.
McVay revealed that Jackson is dealing with a family situation but is expected to return to the team this week.
