As LA Rams heal, team has a lot on the line right out of the BYE

The LA Rams are learning the perennial lesson that is the most important denominator for success in the NFL. Durability seems to be the biggest factor in capability. The healthiest team in the NFL right now is the Philadelphia Eagles. Curiously, they are the most successful team in the NFL right now as well. In fact, they are the only undefeated team in the NFL right now.

The LA Rams are not nearly as successful this year, nor has this team been the healthiest. But that could be changing, and with it hopefully a change in fortune for the LA Rams after their BYE week. Let’s start off by reporting on a trio of players who have been injured and have been on the Rams Injured Reserve list. Three players have been designated for return:

Reinforcements: The #Rams have designated DB Troy Hill, LB Travin Howard, and WR Van Jefferson to return off Injured Reserve. Their practice window is open.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 24, 2022

Since the LA Rams never designated center Brian Allen on IR, the team has the flexibility to start him this week if he is able to go. And per head coach Sean McVay, the Rams expect to get Brian Allen back this week as well.

#Rams HC Sean Mcvay:

C Brian Allen will be back this week.
— Taylor Bisciotti (@TaylorBisciotti) October 24, 2022

Allen returning is a solid plus for the Rams.

The defense gets help too

Finally, what of defensive lineman Bobby Brown? Yes, his suspension has been lifted. And truthfully, the Rams’ defensive front really needs a healthy and pissed-off Bobby Brown to show up and wreak havoc on the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive line this week. But what Brown’s status is for the upcoming game has yet to be decided.

#Rams S.McVay says DL Bobby Brown is back in the mix after serving his six-game suspension.
(PED violation)
"Getting Bobby back in the mix certainly strengthens the overall unit and what that means in terms of his availability and his role is kind of unfolding as the week goes."
— Kayla Burton (@Kay_Breezy22) October 24, 2022

And so, the Rams are getting healthy just in time for the rematch with the San Francisco 49ers. And the 49ers’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs has placed a number of key players on day-to-day status.

Historically, it’s been the 49ers who have miraculously healed up players just in time to face the Rams. While the 49ers may want to win more, there is no doubt that the Rams need a victory after their BYE week far more. The 49ers are 2-0 in the NFC West Division and have already defeated the Rams. A victory over the Rams this week pretty much ensures that the race to win the division will fall to a two-team race between the Seattle Seahawks and the 49ers.

A win by the Rams will put them in a solid position to challenge for the NFC West Division crown, especially with two games left on the schedule against the Seattle Seahawks. Hopefully, healthy players will make a difference, but we’ll cover that next.

The defense gets help too

Schedule