Matthew Stafford is trending toward getting reinforcements at a good time, as he and the Los Angeles Rams look to bounce back from back-to-back losses.
The Rams still have some hurdles to clear in terms of overall roster health.
However, Rams head coach Sean McVay said at least one pivotal piece will return to the field in Week 18 for the finale. Meanwhile, multiple others remain in limbo as game-time decisions, as the Arizona Cardinals head into LA.
Matthew Stafford Expected to Get Super Bowl Champion Playmaker Back for Finale
GettyTyler Higbee #89 of the Los Angeles Rams in action during the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Stafford and the Rams took to the practice field on Friday for their final session of the 2025 regular season and saw what they were looking for regarding veteran tight end Tyler Higbee.
McVay said he expected Higbee to suit up on Sunday, presuming all went well in practice.
Higbee has been out since Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks. The Rams designated him for return from injured reserve on New Year’s Eve, and McVay spoke optimistically about the 10th-year tight end.
McVay said Higbee was a full participant on the practice field all week, and it appears the Super Bowl champion avoided any setbacks. Higbee is questionable for Sunday against the Cardinals.
The Rams have not exactly struggled at tight end without Higbee.
Each of Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and rookie second-round pick Terrance Ferguson has contributed to the Rams during Hibee’s absence. Still, Higbee is Stafford’s longest-tenured target, and his return could soften continued absences elsewhere.
That is where the situation remains clear for Stafford and the Rams heading into their final game of the 2025 regular season.
Rams Leaving Door Open for Multiple Starters
GettyDavante Adams #17 of the Los Angeles Rams in training camp.
Like Higbee, Stafford missed left tackle Alaric Jackson and wide receiver Davante Adams in Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons. Both players participated in practice on Friday, and they are questionable for Sunday’s tilt.
Jackson’s absence was notable, with replacement D.J. Humphries on the wrong side of multiple penalties and blown assignments.
The absence of Adams’ reliability was also evident.
Stafford and the Rams were 1-for-3 in the red zone against the Falcons. Adams, who leads the NFL in touchdown receptions despite missing the past two games, has caught 12 of those scoring passes in the red zone.
Adams’ return to practice this week is encouraging, and McVay said he would not completely rule the veteran out for Sunday.
Still, the coach was pessimistic about his return in Week 18.
“He’s been running around moving good,” McVay told reporters during his media availability on December 31. “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 was more optimistic about Jackson’s availability, while the Rams also listed running back Kyren Williams as questionable for the finale.
Fellow tailback Blake Corum practiced for a second straight day and is also questionable.
Linebacker Omar Speights will also carry a questionable tag into game day, while defensive lineman Braden Fiske, outside linebacker Byron Young, and Jaylen McCollough all shed their labels on the final day of practice.
Rams Rule Out 3 Players
GettyQuentin Lake #37 of the Los Angeles Rams runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens.
Adams and many of his teammates’ respective statuses remain uncertain. However, the Rams made the final call on several others, most notably for Stafford, right guard Kevin Dotson.
McVay was non-committal about whether Dotson would be able to play in the postseason.
Earlier in the week, McVay said the Rams would not open right tackle Rob Havenstein’s 21-day practice window and designate him for return this week. His return is also uncertain, which looms large for Stafford and the Rams with the playoffs rapidly approaching.
Similarly, the Rams ruled out defensive backs Josh Wallace and Quentin Lake. Lake, who signed an extension on Thursday, remains on IR after having his practice window opened.
He has suggested he will return for the playoffs.
Cardinals Get Budda Baker Back
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
As expected, Stafford and the Rams will face a Cardinals team getting eight-time Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker back after a one-game absence.
The Cardinals ruled out one player, offensive lineman Evan Brown, who has not played since November. They are healthy heading into this contest, and they will be looking to end the season on an encouraging note.
Stafford and the Rams want to end their losing ways before the postseason.
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