Stu Jackson reports that Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay expects cornerback Darious Williams to be ready for Sunday’s Week 10 matchup at the San Francisco 49ers, even though he will be limited in Wednesday’s practice.
Williams has been sidelined since Week 7 after suffering a shoulder injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars. With Ahkello Witherspoon already on injured reserve, the Rams were left thin at cornerback, forcing Cobie Durant and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. to handle the majority of snaps against the New Orleans Saints in Week 9. Newcomer Roger McCreary contributed only on special teams.
“The plan we had in place was for him to return,” McVay said, adding that there is “hope and optimism” Williams will be back on the field. “Until we get him back out there, see how he’s positively responding… we’ll see, but that is the hope and optimism.”
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Darious Williams On Track To Play In Week 10 Rams vs 49ers
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Williams’ return would be a major boost for Los Angeles’ secondary. As the team’s top cornerback, he typically plays 60–75% of defensive snaps when healthy and provides crucial coverage on the outside while creating turnover opportunities. His presence also allows the Rams to rotate more effectively in a position that has been tested heavily in recent weeks.
Williams will be critical if LA hopes to avenge their Week 5 loss to the 49ers. With the NFC West race tightly packed—Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle all sitting at six wins—the ability to field a more complete defense could be decisive.
According to Sarah Barshop, ESPN Analytics currently gives the Rams a 38% chance to win the NFC West, slightly ahead of the 49ers (35%) and Seahawks (28%). With a victory over San Francisco on Sunday, the Rams would move to a 54% to win the division. If the 49ers win, SF moves to a 53% chance.
Footnote: Wide receiver Puka Nacua, who missed part of Week 9 with a rib injury, is also expected to play Sunday, giving Matthew Stafford his top target back.
If Williams returns healthy, the Rams will regain a cornerstone of their defense just as they face a pivotal divisional matchup, potentially swinging the balance in a tightly contested NFC West race.
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