Rams starters to play regardless of seeding, Sean McVay says

LOS ANGELES — By the time the Rams begin Sunday afternoon against the Cardinals, their playoff seeding could be established. Even if that’s the case, Rams coach Sean McVay said he won’t change his plan to play his healthy starters in Week 18.

The Rams enter Week 18 with a chance to be the No. 5 or No. 6 seed in the NFC. If the San Francisco 49ers beat the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night, the Rams will find themselves in sixth place. If Seattle wins, the Rams would clinch fifth place with a victory over the Cardinals.

The No. 5 seed will face the winner of the NFC South (the Panthers or Buccaneers) in the wild-card round, while the No. 6 seed will face the Eagles or Bears.

The decision to play his starters with a playoff seeding still uncertain is a change from how McVay handled the last two seasons. Last season, after clinching the NFC West title but with top seeds still in play, McVay rested quarterback Matthew Stafford and many other key starters.

The Rams have dealt with injuries of late, including wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring), right guard Kevin Dotson (ankle), left tackle Alaric Jackson and running back Kyren Williams (ankle).

McVay said Williams, who injured his ankle in Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons, would likely play against Arizona.

“I feel good about Kyren,” McVay said. “Kyren was able to practice yesterday.”

The Rams also expect tight end Tyler Higbee to return from injured reserve, barring any setbacks in Friday’s practice.

McVay said Dotson would not play against the Cardinals, but did not rule out the possibility of his return for the playoffs. Dotson injured his ankle in Week 16 against the Seahawks.

When asked what he thought about the state of the Rams team heading into the playoffs, McVay said he felt “good.”

“I think we’re getting healthy at the right time,” McVay said.