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Lindsey ThiryESPN
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – The Los Angeles Rams are expected to air in the backyard on Sunday when they play the Arizona Cardinals with a playoff bar.
Back runner Darrell Henderson suffered a sprained ankle in the third quarter of Sunday’s 20-9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, an ESPN source confirmed. The NFL Network first reported the severity of Henderson’s injury.
Rams starter Cam Akers is also breastfeeding with a sprained ankle in week 15, which kept him inactive against the Seahawks and has availability against the Cardinals in question.
For the Rams (9-6) to win a playoff spot, they must beat the Cardinals (8-7) at SoFi Stadium or the Green Bay Packers (12-3) must win at the Chicago Bears (8-7). .
There is also uncertainty about the availability of defender Jared Goff after he dislocated his thumb on the hand thrown late in the third quarter against the Seahawks. Sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN that the Rams are afraid Goff has broken his thumb.
Goff is meeting with Dr. Steven Shin on Monday, who treated Drew Brees last year for a thumb injury, a source told Schefter. Goff will need surgery at some point; the question is when to get it. His status for Sunday remains uncertain.
If Goff can’t play, John Wolford was expected to make his first appearance in an NFL game.
Malcolm Brown, who has been used mainly in passing protection and goal line situations this season, could be the only experienced back available. Brown rushed for 399 yards and five touchdowns on 98 carries this season.
Rams also has behind Xavier Jones and Raymond Calais. Both have contributed to special teams this season.
Rams coach Sean McVay expects to address injury situations during his regularly scheduled news conference Monday night.