Ahead of another major NFC tilt, the Los Angeles Rams are getting some reinforcements in their defensive backfield. CB Ahkello Witherspoon was officially activated off of Injured Reserve (IR) on Saturday, the Rams announced, clearing the way for him to make his return to the field on Sunday against the Panthers.
Witherspoon’s return is a boost to an already strong Rams secondary. A former third-round pick of the 49ers in 2017, Witherspoon spent four years in San Francisco and two in Pittsburgh before coming to Los Angeles in 2023. Now in his third season with the Rams, he’s only played in two games this season, totaling three tackles and a pass defensed. Witherspoon broke his clavicle in Week 2 against the Titans and has been on IR ever since.
For his career, Witherspoon has 238 tackles, 12 interceptions, 59 passes defensed, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. His best season came in 2023 with the Rams, when he had 52 tackles, three interceptions, 14 passes defensed, and both of his fumble recoveries.
The Los Angeles Rams Have the Highest-Performing Secondary in the League
Christian Petersen/GettyGLENDALE, ARIZONA – JANUARY 13: Ahkello Witherspoon #4 of the Los Angeles Rams breaks up a pass intended for Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
While they may not have the household names or the elite reputation of some of the other secondaries around the NFL, no other unit is playing as well as the Rams’ right now. Los Angeles has the highest-graded coverage unit in the league, per PFF, and are top-three in EPA allowed per pass.
Anchored by safeties Quentin Lake and Kam Curl, the Rams have elite coaching on the side of the ball, turning a makeshift unit into the league’s premier squad. Lake is on IR right now, though he should return for Los Angeles’ playoff run. In his stead, S Kamren Kinchens has stepped up, playing a more demanding role without the incredibly versatile Lake to anchor the back end.
At cornerback, the Rams have turned disgraced former first-round pick CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr. into the best version of himself. After flaming out in Washington, few expected Forbes to turn into a great player. But he’s playing his best football and has really turned his career around in Los Angeles.
Additionally, veteran CBs Darious Williams and Cobie Durant are playing lights-out when called upon. Trade acquisition CB Roger McCreary made a strong early impact, but he’s also on IR right now. With McCreary and Lake both out for the time being, Witherspoon’s return couldn’t come at a better time.
The Los Angeles Rams are in the Home Stretch for the NFC’s No. 1 Seed
With six games to go, the Rams have the best record in the NFC at 9-2 and currently occupy the No. 1 seed in their conference. On Black Friday, the Bears broke a tie with the Eagles for second place by beating them in Philadelphia to move to 9-3.
A loss to the Panthers would mean the Rams drop to No. 2 in the NFC, as the Bears would win the tiebreaker — for now — with a better record in conference games. Major showdowns still await the Rams, specifically against the Lions and a rematch against the Seahawks. Win those games, and Los Angeles will be the team to beat atop the NFC.
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