The Los Angeles Rams were recently able to welcome back wide receiver Robert Woods back to the facility after missing last week while dealing with a personal issue.
It is has been a testing time for the Rams both on and off the field. Aside from Woods, running back Malcolm Brown was among the more notable absences from practice on Thursday heading into Week 12.
Rams head coach Sean McVay says the team has opted to take things one day at a time while Woods continues to get his affairs in order. Meanwhile, Brown’s return could come at any day now.
According to ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry, Brown is currently awaiting the birth of his child and should be able to play on Momday night against the Baltimore Ravens:
Rams RB Malcolm Brown is not at the team facility as he awaits the birth of his child, Sean McVay said. The plan is that Brown will return in time for Monday night's game, but… ya never know with these kind of things.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) November 21, 2019
Brown has seen his role in the backfield fluctuate throughout the tumultuous 2019 NFL season. The Rams opted to feature running back Darrell Henderson when they found themselves in desperate need of a spark on offense, however, a rough couple of outings from the rookie ultimately spurred McVay to go back to his original approach.
Brown has since resumed his duties as the complementary option to starter Todd Gurley. While his five carries paled in comparison to Gurley’s 25 versus Chicago, he still managed to contribute to the win with 15 yards and a crucial touchdown.
The primetime showdown with the Ravens on Monday night should give Brown an extra day to be able to witness the birth of his child and suit up for the Rams. It could potentially give him some extra motivation to take full advantage of the modest workload that comes his way.
If Brown is unable to play, this will likely open the door for Henderson to get another shot at as the change-of-pace back. Of course, this may not mean much considering McVay’s willingness to give Gurley the bulk of the touches coming of the backfield against the Bears.
Regardless, Los Angeles will need every weapon at their disposal in order to keep up with the highest-scoring offense in the league.
