The Los Angeles Rams have performed six video games this season with out proper sort out Rob Havenstein. Head coach Sean McVay has been lucky to have Joseph Noteboom to show to in his absence, however having Havenstein is of nice significance for a Rams group coming into the postseason.
The Rams fought by way of all kinds of accidents — particularly on the offensive line — to win the NFC West and make the postseason because the No. 4 seed within the convention. They host the 14-win Minnesota Vikings on Monday to cap off Wild Card Weekend, and would definitely like to have their total beginning offensive line absolutely wholesome.
Havenstein missed the final two video games of the common season with a shoulder damage that he suffered in observe, but it surely does seem that he’ll be again for Monday’s postseason recreation, in keeping with McVay.
“That’s the expectation,” McVay stated.
McVay gave a extra in-depth replace on Havenstein’s progress, saying that even taking part in in Week 18 was on the desk beneath the proper circumstances.
“Yeah, he’s been nice,” McVay stated. “He’s executed very well. There would’ve been a chance that he would’ve performed yesterday, relying upon the circumstances. I used to be speaking to [VP, Sports Medicine and Performance] Reggie [Scott] about it this morning. He’s made nice progress.
“You wish to just remember to don’t go away your self inclined all through the course of the week in observe to any kind of setbacks whereas additionally ensuring that you simply get it examined accordingly. These shall be issues that we’ll be cognizant of. I do know he’s actually champing on the bit able to go, prepared to assist lead and do his factor and play the best way that he’s able to. I assumed it was a very good efficiency by each Warren [McClendon Jr.] and Joe [Noteboom] yesterday. We expect Rob again and we’re enthusiastic about that.”
That is all nice information for a group that, when absolutely wholesome, has been harmful this season. The Rams went 9-2 within the 11 video games that they’d a close-to-100% lineup and even defeated the Vikings throughout that stretch. So having Havenstein can be an enormous enhance in what could possibly be an unimaginable postseason matchup.
Sean McVay praises Vikings forward of Rams’ playoff matchup
The Rams clinched the No. 4 seed within the NFC playoffs and can host the Vikings on Monday evening as a part of NFL Wild Card Weekend.
The Vikings had an opportunity to clinch home-field benefit all through the playoffs however fell to the Detroit Lions in Week 18 and dropped right down to the No. 5 seed.
The Vikings nonetheless had a superb season as they completed tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for the second-best report within the NFC at 14-3.
Minnesota poses a variety of challenges for L.A. as they’re a well-rounded group on each side of the ball. On offense, the Vikings are led by former USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold, All-Professional broad receiver Justin Jefferson and Professional Bowl operating again Aaron Jones.
Minnesota additionally has a stout protection and is especially stingy in opposition to the run. “Glorious group. You take a look at it, 14-3,” Rams head coach Sean McVay stated of the Vikings.
