The Los Angeles Rams will continue to sit Todd Gurley.
On Friday, the team confirmed that the three-time Pro Bowl running back is out for the season finale against the San Francisco 49ers. Gurley has been dealing with a minor knee injury and also missed last week’s contest against the Arizona Cardinals.
Official: Rams RB Todd Gurley (knee) is out for Week 17 against the 49ers.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 28, 2018
Todd Gurley to Miss Los Angeles Rams Season Finale
The development means that C.J. Anderson will make his second consecutive start. Anderson joined the team on December 18, a week after the Oakland Raiders released him. He impressed mightily in his team debut, rushing for 167 yards and a touchdown in the Rams’ 31-9 win over the Cardinals.
Barring a huge game from Saquon Barkley, the news all but hands the 2018 rushing title to Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys. But Gurley would’ve had a chance to challenge him barring his injury. Gurley is currently second in the NFL with 1,251 yards on the ground and leads the league with 17 rushing touchdowns.
The Rams are currently the two seed in the NFC and can guarantee themselves a first-round bye with a win over the Niners. That should be incentive enough to avoid a letdown against a team who currently sports a 4-11 record. But a surprise loss opens up the possibility of them playing in the wild-card round if the Chicago Bears upend the Minnesota Vikings.
Anderson’s huge game in Week 16 hints at a scary proposition for the Rams’ postseason opponents. He and a fully healthy Gurley seem like they’re going to comprise a remarkably potent two-headed monster backfield. Depth behind Gurley appeared to be an issue before Anderson’s arrival. Suddenly this team looks like it’s capable of a deep playoff run and possibly an appearance in Super Bowl LIII.
