The Rams offense under Sean McVay historically is at its best when an effective rushing attack creates play-action passing opportunities.
So the return of running back Kyren Williams, and receiver Cooper Kupp’s perseverance to play through an ankle injury should provide the Rams with a boost Sunday when they play the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
Williams, a second-year pro, was on injured reserve the last four games because of a left ankle sprain suffered during a career-best performance against the Cardinals on Oct. 15.
Williams returned to practice this week and on Friday he pronounced himself fit.
“We’re just getting started,” Williams said of a Rams team coming off a victory over the Seattle Seahawks. “I still feel that momentum.”
In six games, Williams rushed for a team-high 456 yards and six touchdowns, and he also scored on a touchdown catch.
Read more: Rams get lots of bang, Puka Nacua lots of bruises, from receiver’s painstaking play
In a 26-9 victory over the Cardinals in Week 6, Williams rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown in 20 carries before suffering the injury late in the game.
Williams said initially he did not think the injury was serious.
“It wasn’t until, like, the next day when I woke up,” he said. “I’m like, ‘Yeah, there’s something wrong.’”
Rams coaches and players are happy to welcome back Williams, who brings “such a good charisma and presence,” McVay said.
“He elevates guys around him,” McVay said. “He’s so engaged, he’s so coachable. … His teammates love playing with him.”
Quarterback Matthew Stafford agreed.
“The way he competes with and without the football, it’s kind of what we want around here and he’s done a great job of showing that,” Stafford said.
Williams, a 2022 fifth-round draft pick from Notre Dame, said he has played football with the same attitude since elementary school.
“This is where I go to express myself, that’s like my art,” he said. “So I just…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-running-game-gets-boost-003912264.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2023-11-25 00:39:12
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