The Los Angeles Rams are looking for some late-season magic to make it into the playoffs. While it will be tough as they will need to win both of their remaining games and the Minnesota Vikings will need to lose both of theirs, crazier things have happened in this league.
Things get even tougher though when you consider that the Rams will be taking on the San Francisco 49ers this Saturday at Levi Stadium. On top of that, the Rams will be down a key defender in starting cornerback Troy Hill.
Hill injured his thumb during the team’s game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15 and had it surgically repaired earlier this week. Although there was hope that he would be able to play, head coach Sean McVay ruled him out on Thursday.
With that being said, Darious Williams will get the start in his place and is ready for the opportunity, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
“Oh yeah, for sure,” Williams said. “Obviously you want Troy to be back. He’s one of the leaders, especially in the secondary. But if Troy needs time to heal, that’s why I’m here, so I’ll be ready.”
Williams took over for Hill last week, playing a career-high 76 snaps between defense and special teams. Throughout his short two-year career, Williams has typically seen limited time on the special teams but made the most of his increased time this past Sunday.
He finished the game with five total tackles, another career-high for him. He also appeared to record an interception but it wound up being nullified by penalties.
Should Williams get the call this Saturday, it would be his second start this season. He started during Jalen Ramsey’s first game with the team, allowing the Pro-Bowler to get accustomed to his new team before hitting the field.
Williams understands that he is going up against one of the NFL’s best overall teams this season, but he is just focused on playing his game:
“They’re just a strong team all-around – offense, defense and special teams, they’re good,” Williams said. “They added Emmanuel Sanders, another key receiver. It’s just a solid team, but we’re just as good. Just go out there and play our game and the way we’re capable of.”
As mentioned, Sanders has continued to be a solid wide receiver in his 10th NFL season. He certainly seemed to excel after being dealt to San Francisco, putting up 416 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions in eight games. Whether it be Hill or Williams, hopefully, the Rams can find a way to slow down the 49ers offense to come away with a victory.
