The Los Angeles Rams won their fourth straight game in Week 16, going on the road and beating a tough Minnesota Vikings team to clinch a playoff berth.
Although the Rams seem to firing on all cylinders right now, they will have some key players to get health moving forward as it was first announced before the game that Andre Whitworth was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
Then, throughout the game the Rams lost a pair of players to injury in Darrell Henderson (knee) and Ernest Jones (ankle).
Jones, in particular, has been playing really good football for the Rams as of late after taking over as a starting inside linebacker after the team traded Kenny Young.
Jones left the win over the Vikings with an ankle injury and according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, he is dealing with a high ankle sprain:
#Rams LB Ernest Jones, who emerged as a starter midway through the season and has impressed, is believed to have suffered a high-ankle sprain Sunday, source said. He’s considered week-to-week with a chance to return for the playoffs.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2021
This represents some good news for the Rams as it could’ve been a lot worse. With two regular-season games still remaining, it is likely that Jones will miss those but be back for the playoffs, which is ultimately most important.
If Jones is forced to miss time then Travin Howard will likely see increased playing time in his absence. Howard went in for Jones after he suffered the injury and actually played solid, recording five total tackles, two passes defensed and the first interception of his career.
The Rams travel to take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17, so Howard may be tasked with chasing around Lamar Jackson in his first start.
