The Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams will play the rubber match of their 2020 series with championship hopes at stake when these division rivals face the Super Wild-Card Weekend. Tuesday marked the first day of official training for these NFC West clubs, leading to Saturday’s clash, although LA has not held a session or walk and its injury report is only an estimate.
If the Rams had practiced, striker Aaron Donald (unrelated to injuries) and striker David Edwards (ankle) would have been the only players resisted. Meanwhile, quarterback Jared Goff (right thumb), running back Cam Akers (ankle), striker Joseph Noteboom (back), linebacker Micah Kiser (knee) and linebacker Natrez Patrick (groin) would have been limited.
Of course, the status of Goff, who is rehabilitating a fractured thumb that required surgery, is an injury to everyone’s mind. Sean McVay noted that Goff is progressing well, but there has still been no decision on who will start as a defender – the coach told reporters he would not “answer that question this week”.
McVay said, however, that “Jared is our starting quarterback”, apparently cementing that, if healthy, he will get the nod.
While there was initial optimism that Goff would be ready for the playoffs after undergoing surgery to repair his thumb fracture after Week 16, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported on Monday that it is expected to be a challenge for him to play.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who tested positive for COVID-19 last week, is expected to be back with the team on Wednesday, by McVay. The head coach also said there is a “good chance” that left striker Andrew Whitworth, who is in his 10th week with a knee injury, will be available on Saturday.
As for the Seahawks, Pete Carroll told ESPN 710 Seattle on Monday that his club will be “in full swing this weekend.” The club saw the return of the offensive attack Brandon Shell, who participated fully on Tuesday after a stint on the reserve / COVID list, along with point guard Mike Iupati, who lost the last two games due to a neck injury. He was limited during Tuesday’s session along with running back Deejay Dallas (ankle).
Seattle also saw Carlos Hyde (ill) training alongside tight end Greg Olsen (foot), defensive tackle Bryan Mone (ankle), linebacker KJ Wright (ankle) and guard Damien Lewis (neck). As for who was sacked on Tuesday, the Seahawks started the week without defensive tackle Jarran Reed (oblique), corner Jayson Stanley (hamstring) and safety Jamal Adams (shoulder, hand). Running back Chris Carson (foot) and tackle Duane Brown (knee) were also prevented from training, but the team noticed that they were simply resting.
Adams is the key name to watch out for, as it looks like it really will be a playing time decision for this showdown with Carroll saying “we will have to wait all the way until game day to find this out.”
The Rams will face the Seahawks at Lumen Field on Saturday at 4:40 pm ET on FOX.