Rams Rule Out LT Andrew Whitworth, S Taylor Rapp vs. Buccaneers

The Rams will be without two starters in the Divisional Round against the Buccaneers.

Following a week in which Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth and safety Taylor Rapp haven't participated in practice leading up to the final injury report, Sean McVay announced Friday that they’ll both be out for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay.

Sean McVay said Ernest Jones looked good in practice and he’s a week away from returning if #Ramshouse can extend their season.

LT Andrew Whitworth & S Taylor Rapp will be OUT on Sunday vs. #GoBucs

— Nick Hamilton (@NickHamilton213) January 21, 2022

This marks the second consecutive week Rapp will be sidelined as he works through a concussion suffered in Week 18 against the San Francisco 49ers.

Whitworth injured his ankle during last Monday's Wild Card Round game, having to come off the field on the first offensive series but later returned. Following halftime, Whitworth did not play another snap.

With Rapp sidelined, declaring each of the Rams' two starting safeties out once again with Jordan Fuller set to miss the remainder of the season, they'll likely rely on a rotation of players. Last week they utilized Nick Scott, Terrell Burgess and Eric Weddle to maneuver the backend of the defense.

As for Whitworth missing in action, the Rams will turn to Joe Noteboom, the team's swing tackle. Noteboom has received the starting nod twice this season, allowing one sack across his 174 offensive snaps played this year.

The Buccaneers possess a fierce pass rush, featuring the likes of Jason Pierre-Paul, Ndamukong Suh and Vita Vea, so the Rams' offensive line will have their hands full attempting to create running lanes for the ground game as well as adequate time for quarterback Matthew Stafford to distribute passes effectively.

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• Rams' Thursday Injury Report for Divisional Round at Buccaneers
• Rams at Buccaneers Divisional Round: How to Watch, Stream and Listen
• Rams Designate LB Ernest Jones From Injured Reserve
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• Rams Coney a Boost of Confidence in Preparation vs. Tom Brady, Buccaneers
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• Rams at Buccaneers Divisional Round Opening Odds: Point Spread, Over/Under, Moneyline

Nick Cothrel is the publisher of Ram Digest. Follow Nick and Ram Digest on Twitter @NickCothrel & @RamDigestSI for more Rams coverage.