The Los Angeles Rams appear to be entering the NFC Championship Game with encouraging news on the injury front. Coming off their divisional-round win over the Chicago Bears, head coach Sean McVay offered reassurance Monday regarding the status of two important defensive contributors: edge rusher Byron Young and defensive back Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
Speaking during his weekly media session, McVay emphasized that there were minimal concerns following Sunday’s game and that both players are trending in the right direction ahead of the matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.
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Emmanuel Forbes Jr.: Shoulder Injury Not Expected to Linger
Forbes’ injury was the more abrupt of the two. The cornerback exited early in the divisional round after injuring his shoulder and logged just four defensive snaps. Despite never being formally ruled out, he did not return, forcing the LA to reshuffle their secondary for much of the game.
According to McVay, the shoulder issue is not expected to impact Forbes’ availability for Sunday’s NFC Championship Game. That assessment suggests the injury is not considered serious, though his level of participation in practice later this week will determine whether he carries an official injury designation.
In Forbes’ absence, the Rams leaned on Roger McCreary, Darious Williams, and Cobie Durant to stabilize the secondary. That group responded well, but Forbes’ ball skills and turnover production have been a meaningful part of the defense throughout the season.
Coverage Skills:
3 interceptions (ball-hawking ability) 40 receptions allowed in coverage Tackling: 45 total tackles (32 solo, 13 assisted) 1 forced fumble
Forbes has shown his playmaking ability with 3 interceptions, making him one of the team’s top defensive backs. His coverage skills and ability to create turnovers have been valuable assets to the Rams’ defense.
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Byron Young Managing a Sore Knee
Young’s situation appears more related to workload management than long-term concern. The second-year edge rusher experienced knee soreness Sunday night and was limited to a season-low 43 percent snap share against Chicago. Even so, he still managed to make his presence felt with five tackles and a quarterback hit.
McVay said Monday that he does not expect the knee issue to affect Young’s availability against Seattle. Still, the Rams will monitor his practice participation to gauge how manageable the soreness is as the week progresses.
With Young slightly limited, Josiah Stewart and Desjuan Johnson saw increased snaps and helped keep pressure on the Bears’ offense, a testament to the Rams’ growing depth along the defensive front.
Pass Rush Specialist:
12.0 sacks (elite pass rusher) 57 quarterback pressures 27 quarterback hurries Run Defense: 82 total tackles (44 solo, 38 assisted) 12 tackles for loss 1 forced fumble
Byron has established himself as the Rams’ premier edge rusher, consistently disrupting opposing quarterbacks while also being effective against the run.
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Why Their Availability Matters
Young has been the engine of the Rams’ pass rush all season, emerging as their premier edge defender. His ability to consistently disrupt quarterbacks has been central to the defense’s success, particularly in high-leverage situations.
Forbes, meanwhile, has carved out an important role on the back end with his coverage instincts and knack for creating turnovers. His presence allows the Rams to be more flexible schematically, especially against offenses that stress the secondary vertically.
Looking Ahead to Seattle
The Rams’ first official injury report will be released after Wednesday’s practice, which should provide more clarity on both players’ status. For now, McVay’s comments point toward optimism.
If Young and Forbes are indeed full participants by the end of the week, the Rams would enter the NFC Championship Game close to full strength on defense—an encouraging sign as they prepare for their biggest test of the season.