Rams inactives for NFC Championship Game just confirmed Byron Young's status

The Los Angeles Rams had hopes that a knee injury to edge rusher Byron Young would not prevent him from playing in the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks. But as a precautionary measure, the team elevated defensive end Larrell Murchison from the practice squad to add a bit of pass rush in his absence, as well as inside linebacker Elias Neal to bolster coverage units on special teams.

Thankfully, the team reported inactive players for the NFC Championship Game. Byron Young's name was not listed, but Larrell Murchison's name was. That means that the team's defensive front will be intact for what could prove to be one of the most important games of its career.

Rams inactives

• WR Tutu Atwell
• CB Derion Kendrick
• RB Jarquez Hunter
• TE Nick Vannett
• IOL Beaux Limmer
• DE Larrell Murchison

Nobody expected Young to have such a breakout season, but he did. He led all LA pass rushers with 12.5 quarterback sacks. Unfortunately, he has yet to sack Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold despite facing him twice this season.

Perhaps the third time is a charm.

Byron Young and Jared Verse lead a fierce Rams pass rush

The combination of Byron Young and Jared Verse has been devastatingly effective. The pair has combined for 19.5 quarterback sacks this season. Better still, both have significantly improved their tackling and run defense this season

They combined for 140 tackles and 23 tackles for a loss.

The LA Rams boasted a dominating pass rush in the playoffs last season, but at the expense of a porous run defense. This season, the team has throttled back bringing down quarterbacks to enhance stuffing the run. So far, the more balanced attack has been more effective.

That has placed more pressure on a secondary that is rostered by adequate but not elite defensive backs. Still, a win is a win.

And having edge rusher Byron Young on the football field in this one improves LA's chances for a victory. Will it be enough? Young has not had a postseason sack this season. It's time to hear from him.

As always, thanks for reading.