Rams RB Darrell Henderson unlikely to play vs. Cards due to high ankle sprain?

The Los Angeles Rams will secure a berth in the playoffs with a win over the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium next Sunday. 

That win won't come easily. 

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Lindsey Thiry have reported that Rams running back Darrell Henderson suffered a high ankle sprain during Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks and is unlikely to play against Arizona. Rams rookie ball-carrier Cam Akers missed the Seattle game because of a high ankle sprain, and his status for the first weekend of January 2021 is unknown as of Monday afternoon. 

Additionally, quarterback Jared Goff dislocated the thumb on his throwing hand against Seattle and could be sidelined through at least Week 17. Former Alliance of American Football QB John Wolford, who has never appeared in an NFL game, will start if Goff isn't available.

Assuming both Henderson and Akers won't be able to go next Sunday, veteran Malcolm Brown would likely become the Rams' first-choice back against Arizona. Brown has recorded 399 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 98 attempts this season. 

It's not all bad news for Rams fans, however, as Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray might sit next Sunday because of a lower leg injury. The Rams can also earn a postseason spot if the Green Bay Packers defeat the Chicago Bears on the last Sunday of the regular season. 

The Packers haven't yet clinched a first-round bye.