Rams Could Play it Safe With Todd Gurley, McVay Says
By James Neveau ••
The Chicago Bears are chasing the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC standings as the season winds down, and the way the teams handle injuries to key contributors could play a big role in determining the final seeding.
The Rams, whom the Bears beat in a Sunday Night Football showdown on Dec. 9, currently hold a one-game advantage, but they could be in for a challenge as they face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon.
According to head coach Sean McVay, the team does anticipate that they will have running back Todd Gurley in the fold for the game, but he did miss a workout on Wednesday and McVay conceded that the team could try to keep him healthy for a playoff run if it comes to it.
Matthew Byrne
Khalil Mack warms up before the Bears' Week 15 game against the Packers.
Jordan Howard catches a ball in warm-ups before Sunday's game against the Packers.
Getty Images
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Getty Images
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 16: Kyle Fuller #23 and Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears hug prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Getty Images
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 16: Jordan Howard #24 of the Chicago Bears carries the football against Eddie Pleasant #35 of the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter at Soldier Field on December 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Getty Images
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 16: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears warms up prior to the game Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Getty Images
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 16: Tarik Cohen #29 of the Chicago Bears runs the football against Kentrell Brice #29 of the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Getty Images
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 16: Adam Shaheen #87 of the Chicago Bears completes the pass in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Getty Images
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 16: Blake Martinez #50 of the Green Bay Packers tackles Taquan Mizzell #33 of the Chicago Bears in the first quarter at Soldier Field on December 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Getty Images
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 16: Head coach Matt Nagy of the Chicago Bears stands on the sidelines in the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Matthew Byrne
Matthew Byrne
Matthew Byrne
“If there’s a chance that he’s going to do something that’s going to set him back for when you get into the playoffs, different things like that, that’s where we have to make smart decisions,” he told the Los Angeles Times. “We’re trying to go win this football game and do everything we can in our power to do that, (but) not at the expense of potentially risking the availability of Todd.”
If the Bears and Rams end the regular season tied in the standings, then the Bears would get the second seed, in the NFC, which comes with a first round playoff bye.
The Bears will likely have a decision of their own to make, as safety Eddie Jackson was not on the practice field Wednesday afternoon at Halas Hall. Jackson is currently dealing with an ankle sprain, and his status for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers has yet to be determined.
