The Los Angeles Rams delivered a mixed bag of roster updates on Friday, and with noteworthy implications.
Rams head coach Sean McVay delivered the final verdict on several players’ statuses for Sunday’s NFC Championship Game showdown against the Seattle Seahawks, and quarterback Matthew Stafford’s side of the ball will be short-handed.
The good news is that it is not exactly something Stafford is unfamiliar with.
Rams’ Roster Update Looms Large
GettyWarren McClendon Jr. #71 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the Los Angeles Chargers.
“The Rams are ruling OT Rob Havenstein out and are listing OLB Byron Young as questionable for Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the Seahawks,” The Athletic’s Nate Atkins reported on X on January 23.
“Young will be limited in practice today but they anticipate him playing on Sunday.”
The Rams’ decision to rule Havenstein out for a 10th straight game is not surprising. He has been sidelined since Week 11 and only returned to practice on Thursday. Havenstein also dealt with injuries early in the regular season, ultimately suiting up for seven contests.
The Rams opened Havenstein’s practice window on Thursday, January 22. That gives them until (and technically after) the Super Bowl on February 8 to make a final decision.
Atkins added that the decision was solely for this week.
“McVay was just clarifying he won’t be activated for Sunday’s game,” Atkins posted in response to a fan’s question in the comments. “More about having his presence around this week and a possibility if they can advance.”
The Rams have leaned on Warren McClendon during Havenstein’s absence. Pro Football Focus graded McClendon as the Rams’ third-best offensive lineman for the regular season.
Havenstein was third-worst overall and in run blocking, and was fourth-worst in pass protection.
Rams’ Defense Gets Good News
GettyByron Young #0 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates a sack against the Tennessee Titans.
Not having Havenstein this week might not be a bad thing for Stafford and the Rams. Having Young on the field for the defense should also help the offense. The Rams’ defense helped seal the NFC Divisional Playoff win over the Chicago Bears, and Young is one of the unit’s leaders.
The faith in Young being able to suit up has also been consistent throughout the week as the Rams prepare to face the Seahawks for the third time this season.
A Pro Bowler in 2025, Young recorded a team-high 12.0 sacks during the regular season.
That was also a career-best for Young, who set new personal bests with 82 total tackles and 17 starts, too. Young has been a workhorse, never missing a game in his pro career, underscoring his importance to the Rams’ defense.
Rams Mostly Healthy Heading Into Seahawks Game
GettyQuentin Lake #37 of the Los Angeles Rams runs with the ball after a takeaway against the Baltimore Ravens.
In addition to their decisions on Havenstein and Young, the Rams also cleared starters Emmanuel Forbes at cornerback and Quentin Lake at nickelback.
The Seahawks had some health questions, most notably with left tackle Charles Cross and quarterback Sam Darnold. However, both players have been cleared for Sunday’s NFC Championship Game showdown against Stafford and the Rams.
The Rams are looking to buck the regular-season trend of the home team winning each game.
Stafford is healthy, and his team is mostly intact around him, potentially setting the stage for a second Super Bowl berth for the Rams in his five-year tenure.
Rams Announce Decision Before NFCCG Showdown Against Seahawks