Los Angeles Rams All-Pro left tackle Andrew Whitworth looked like a long shot to return to the team after suffering a devastating knee injury in a Week 9 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
However, Whitworth is gearing up for a stunning playoff return. The Rams activated Whitworth from injured reserve Thursday, giving him an opportunity to play in the team's Wild Card showdown with the Seahawks this weekend.
This is nothing short of miraculous for Whitworth, and for the Rams.
Whitworth suffered a torn MCL and a minor part of his PCL. The doctors gave him a six-to-eight-week timeline for recovery given he avoided further structural damage, but it seemed he would be pushing the envelope to return for the playoffs.
Instead, the 39-year-old Whitworth challenged his rehab head-on. He made significant progress, to the point he was testing out the knee just about four weeks after initially sustaining the injury:
Andrew Whitworth will test out his knee next week on the field. Just over 3 weeks after injuring his knee versus Seahawks. Depending on how it responds will help gauge his return, which he hopes for before end of regular season if not the playoffs. Way ahead of schedule @NFLonFOX https://t.co/zdnLwcVVyx
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) December 11, 2020
Clearly, Whitworth was not willing to go quietly. Making another stab at the playoffs is especially important because he could be playing his final game(s).
The Rams signed Whitworth to a three-year deal this past offseason, but the contract has a potential out in 2022, and L.A. might also try to restructure the deal this offseason so as to avoid dead cap hits.
Regardless of what the future holds, Whitworth's return could be a boon for the Rams.
Jared Goff played well in the first 10 games, but he really struggled down the stretch and recently underwent surgery to repair a broken thumb. He could benefit from Whitworth back and protecting his blind side, which is especially vital considering the Rams figure to throw early and often against an underwhelming Seahawks secondary.
Los Angeles is looking to win the rubber match after splitting with Seattle in the regular season.
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