Jalen Ramsey injured his knee on Saturday night against the San Francisco 49ers, but he never missed a single snap despite being listed as doubtful to return. The Rams are going to play it safe with their star cornerback and keep him on the sidelines for Sunday’s finale at the Coliseum.
Sean McVay said Tuesday that Ramsey will not play against the Cardinals in Week 17 due to the knee injury.
“He had a Grade II strain on the LCL and he’ll be out for the game,” McVay said.
As for whether Ramsey will need surgery or any sort of procedure on his knee, McVay doesn’t believe that to be the case.
“I don’t think so,” he said. “I think it’s more than anything just being smart. He came back in and it shows you how tough he is, what a great competitor. But when you are looking at something like this, you just want to be smart. Typically, it’s something that can take anywhere between a month, a month and a half. But it should heal on its own.”
Ramsey’s first season ends with the Rams having played nine games (eight starts). He picked off one pass, had four total passes defensed and made 33 tackles. He’s under contract in 2020 but will become a free agent after next season.
With Ramsey out, David Long and Donte Deayon are expected to get more playing time. Nickell Robey-Coleman could also play outside cornerback, moving from the slot.
“Expect to see a little bit more of David Long,” McVay said. “Robey, he’s got the ability to play outside and inside. You get Donte Deayon up and you’ve got some corners you feel good about. And you have some flexibility with our safeties that can do some different things, which is a nice bonus for us, as well.”
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