Los Angeles Rams get best possible news for return of one of their best players ahead of potential Super Bowl run
The Los Angeles Rams should have their best offensive lineman back ahead of their divisional playoff match against the Chicago Bears.
The Los Angeles Rams have been dealing with a massive hole in their starting lineup over the last few weeks of the season, and it’s made a clear impact on their offense with him out.
However, according to head coach Sean McVay, the Rams are hoping to be able to fill that hole back with their established starter in the room potentially returning ahead of a critical divisional round matchup in the playoffs against the Chicago Bears.
Rams optimistic Kevin Dotson will be back vs. Chicago Bears
Right guard Kevin Dotson is likely set to return this week when the Rams take on the Bears, according to McVay. Dotson sustained an injury in the Rams’ Week 16 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks when Seattle OLB Derick Hall deliberately stepped down and crushed Dotson’s foot underneath him on a play, an action that (somehow) only saw him suspended for a single game.
Dotson’s presence has been keenly felt by the Rams over the last few weeks. The Rams EPA/Rush falls a whopping .12, from .05 to -.07, with Dotson out, and their overall success rate drops 13 percent when he is out of the lineup.
Additionally, Dotson, in my opinion, was the best pass protecting right guard in the league this season, an area that his backup, Justin Dedich, has struggled to fill in. Dotson has allowed just 20 pressures this season. Dedich, meanwhile, has allowed 23 as a backup.
Even if Chicago’s defensive line isn’t nearly as stout as other teams the Rams will play, having Dotson back for this pivotal matchup is a huge boost for the Rams’ chances at making another Super Bowl, as he is one of the best guards in the league. Having him return puts the Rams at all hands on deck and back to full strength on offense, something they’ll need for the rest of the playoffs.
Additionally, the Rams are also optimistic that rookie tight end and big-play threat Terrance Ferguson will be ready to go this week after missing last week’s game against the Carolina Panthers. The extra day of rest in between playoff matchups seems to be paying off for Los Angeles.
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