Los Angeles Rams rookie Ernest Jones has been on injured reserve since Week 15 and there was hope that he could return in time for Sunday’s divisional round matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite the Rams designating Jones to return from injured reserve on Thursday, Sean McVay said Friday that Jones won’t play on Sunday, but is “on track for next week.”
Of course, for Jones to play next week, the Rams would need to take of business by defeating the Buccaneers on Sunday. Jones would have been a welcomed addition for Los Angeles with Leonard Fournette returning for Tampa Bay, but Travin Howard should continue seeing an increased role in Jones’ absence.
Also, with Jones sidelined for another week, Troy Reeder will likely have the green dot on his helmet again against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers.
Besides the rookie inside linebacker, the Rams also designated Darrell Henderson Jr., Sebastian Joseph-Day, and Robert Rochell to return from injured reserve ahead of Sunday’s contest. But just like Jones, none of them are expected to make their return to the field this weekend.
Sean McVay said Ernest Jones is probably a week away from returning and will not play Sunday vs. Bucs, nor will Sebastian Joseph-Day, Darrell Henderson Jr. or Robert Rochell.
OL Andrew Whitworth and S Taylor Rapp will be OUT for Sunday’s game against Bucs.
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) January 21, 2022
It’s also been made official that neither Andrew Whitworth nor Taylor Rapp will suit up for the Rams on Sunday. At the very least, if Los Angeles emerges victorious against Tampa Bay, it could be getting a handful of guys back in time to play the San Francisco 49ers or the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game.