The Los Angeles Rams will host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 18, and they are not expected to have the services of six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Davante Adams for the contest. However, Adams took a significant step on Thursday that bodes well for his eventual return.
This comes amid noteworthy comments from Rams head coach Sean McVay.
The Rams are on their first two-game losing streak of the season. It is no coincidence that it has come amid Adams’ absence from the lineup.
Davante Adams Makes Progress in Rams Progress
GettyDavante Adams #17 of the Los Angeles Rams during training camp.
Adams has been sidelined since Week 15, when he aggravated a hamstring injury against the Detroit Lions. Of the four players the Rams listed as non-participants on Wednesday, Adams was notably the only one who progressed to even limited participation on Thursday.
Adams’ return to the practice field garnered attention.
However, McVay quelled expectations during the first of his final two pre-game press conferences of the regular season.
“He’s going to get out there, be able to do some individual. He’s been running around moving good. I wouldn’t say that he’s like totally out for the game, but it’s more likely than not that he will not play,” McVay told reporters on December 31.
“It’s more of just to make sure that we’re able to kind of get [Adams] a full workload. He’s going to be able to do some different things in a more controlled setting. … But just with the position that he plays, being able to open up, want to make sure that we’re getting everything ready to roll and being smart with him.”
Adams missed three games last season as he navigated a hamstring issue and a trade request.
That was with the Las Vegas Raiders, who were not heading for the postseason like the Rams are after trading quarterback Derek Carr, Adams’ former college teammate and friend.
Rams Still in Holding Pattern With Injured Players
GettyKevin Dotson #69 of the Los Angeles Rams is helped off the field during a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Rams listed 11 players on their injury report on Wednesday and Thursday. The good news is that none of the players listed regressed, nor were any new players added to the account of walking wounded.
However, Adams and fellow wideout Xavier Smith–who went from limited to full participation–were the only ones to show any progress.
Again, that is not wholly unexpected.
Blake Corum, Josh Wallace, and Kevin Dotson all remained sidelined, as they were on the Rams’ projected report on Wednesday. Alaric Jackson, Braden Fiske, Jaylen McCoullough, Kyren Williams, Omar Speights, and Tyler Higbee were all limited again.
The Rams have one more day of practice before they face the Cardinals, giving Adams and others another opportunity to progress in Week 18.
Cardinals Getting 8-Time Pro Bowler Back
GettyBudda Baker #3 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up before facing the Tennessee Titans.
The Rams monitor the status of Adams and others. Meanwhile, the Cardinals could welcome back eight-time Pro Bowl defensive back Budda Baker for the contest.
Baker missed the Cardinals’ Week 17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
However, the Cardinals remained without veteran pass rusher Josh Sweat and rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison. Both players would be significant absences for a Cardinals team looking to spoil the end of the Rams’ season further.
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