Troy Hill left Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys with a thumb injury, leaving the Rams thin at cornerback. His injury thrust Darious Williams into a role with the first-team defense, which he took in stride and played well in.
It turns out Hill broke his thumb, but it may not cost him any time on the field. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Hill is undergoing surgery on his thumb but could still play Saturday against the 49ers.
#Rams CB Troy Hill, who broke his thumb in yesterday’s game, is having surgery to repair it today… with an eye toward playing Saturday vs the #49ers, source said. He emerged as a key defender midseason.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 16, 2019
Hill, not Jalen Ramsey, has been the Rams’ best cornerback since becoming a starter earlier this season after Aqib Talib was placed on IR. He’s been picked on by opposing quarterbacks, but he’s held his ground and turned in some particularly good performances.
The Rams only have two games remaining in 2019, but they’re ones they must win in order to have a chance to make the playoffs. Having Hill on Saturday would help the defense, but if they lose or the Vikings win, Los Angeles will be eliminated from playoff contention. In other words, he could get Week 17 off if it comes to that, allowing him to rest his thumb a week early.