Los Angeles Rams free safety Taylor Rapp was ruled out of Monday night’s NFC wild-card game with the Arizona Cardinals due to his concussion.
Rapp was unable to clear the protocol and Los Angeles coach Sean McVay on Saturday termed his upcoming absence as “a big loss for us.”
The 24-year-old Rapp was hurt during the regular-season finale against the San Francisco 49ers.
“He’s doing everything in his power to get back as quickly as possible,” McVay told reporters.
In addition to Rapp (94 tackles, four interceptions), Los Angeles lost 23-year-old strong safety Jordan Fuller (114 tackles) to a season-ending ankle injury.
The injuries led the Rams to lure six-time Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle out of retirement. Los Angeles signed Weddle to its practice squad and McVay said Weddle will be activated prior to Monday’s game.
Weddle, 37, hasn’t played in an NFL game in just over two years when he played in the Rams’ final regular-season game in 2019.
“He’s done a great job,” McVay said of Weddle. “He’s brought a great energy. He’s a great communicator. He’s a great leader. He’ll be ready to go. What exactly that role looks like, we’re still working through. Got a lot of confidence in (expected starters) Nick Scott and Terrell Burgess as well.”
Also, running back Buddy Howell (hamstring) is doubtful and receiver Van Jefferson (shoulder) is questionable.
Arizona listed six players as questionable, including running back James Conner and left guard Justin Pugh (calf).
–Field Level Media