The Los Angeles Rams walked out of Sunday’s loss in Carolina disappointed by the result but relieved by something far more important: they avoided the type of injury setback that can derail a December playoff push. And at the center of that sigh of relief was running back Kyren Williams, who briefly left the game with what looked like a potentially significant ankle injury — only for prior scar tissue to spare him from something worse.
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A Scare That Looked Worse Than It Was
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Williams went down in the second quarter when traffic collapsed around him. It was the sort of awkward roll-up that often ends with a cart. But the Rams’ lead back eventually returned and finished the afternoon strong, totaling 13 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown.
After the game, Williams described the moment with a mix of honesty and gratitude.
“Oh, I just got rolled up on, you know, classic just big guys laying on top of you,” he said. “And thank goodness that I went through some last year or two years ago that… had scar tissue in that ankle. So it’s not really that big of a deal. Thank goodness for that. Thank the Lord. And, you know, I’ll be ready to go next week.”
That detail — the scar tissue absorbing the worst of the impact — became the central storyline on Monday. Instead of swelling, imaging, or uncertainty, there was calm.
McVay Confirms: “Pretty Good” Moving Forward
Sean McVay echoed the optimism while meeting with reporters, telling The Athletic’s Nate Atkins that Williams’ ankle was “pretty good” and that the team had “no real injury concerns” coming out of the 31-28 loss.
Williams’ ability to return also allowed the Rams to maintain some normalcy in the backfield rotation. Rookie Blake Corum provided important support with 81 yards and a touchdown on just seven carries, but the Rams’ offense is built around Williams’ tempo and reliability.
Rams Avoid the Fallout They Feared
Beyond Williams’ scare, the Rams exited without any additional significant injuries — a rare piece of good news after a physical road matchup. Los Angeles still sits at 9-3, atop the NFC West, and controls its postseason trajectory.
The loss stung. But in a league where one bad step can reshape a season, the Rams left Carolina with something they needed even more: their lead back intact, helped along by the unlikely blessing of an old injury that protected him from a new one.
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