Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Robert Woods was unable to take part in the Week 12 win over the Chicago Bears while dealing with a family matter.
Woods had been among the notable absences from practice last week causing concern about a potential injury. However, head coach Sean McVay later revealed that it was due to a personal issue that he needed to take care of and wound up forcing him to be a late inactive for the game against the Bears.
Fortunately, the Rams were able to overcome his absence to get back into the win column with a 17-7 victory. It remains to be seen whether or not they will be without Woods once again.
McVay says Woods was back at practice on Thursday and the team is taking things one day at a time, via Stu Jackson of the team’s official website:
.@RamsNFL HC Sean McVay said WR Robert Woods is back at the facility today and “in a good place.” Taking things “day-by-day.”
Still haven’t determined whether he will play Monday night vs. Ravens.
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) November 21, 2019
It is undoubtedly encouraging to see Woods was able to make his return to the facility following a brief absence. McVay’s comments indicate that Los Angeles is not going to rush him back or reveal anything until he is ready.
There is no question that Woods’ absence leaves a notable void in the Rams receiving corps as perhaps their most versatile wideout on the roster. Despite still having yet to find paydirt through the air in the 2019 NFL season, he has still maintained his integral role in the passing game with 45 receptions for 566 yards. He has scored one touchdown on a rush.
Woods has served as a stabilizing factor for quarterback Jared Goff after struggling to find his footing in the 2019 campaign. Los Angeles is going to need all the help they can get if they hope to keep up with this high-powered Baltimore offense led by the MVP frontrunner in quarterback Lamar Jackson.
If Woods is not able to play, the Rams can at least take solace in the fact that wide receiver Brandin Cooks is expected to make his return after missing the last two games while dealing with a concussion. His presence should provide a much-needed element of explosiveness for Goff when it comes to potentially taking more shots down the field.
Regardless, it is safe to say that McVay will feel much better if he knows he will have his trio of wideouts to work with for another primetime matchup with the Ravens in what is a game Los Angeles needs to win.
