Rams expect RT Rob Havenstein (shoulder) to return for playoffs

Los Angeles Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein is expected to play in the wild-card playoff game against the visiting Minnesota Vikings next Monday, head coach Sean McVay said on Monday. Havenstein hasn't played since the Rams' 19-9 victory over the host New York Jets on Dec. 22. He injured his shoulder in practice and missed the last two regular-season games as Los Angeles finished 10-7 and won the NFC West. McVay said he discussed Havenstein's health with vice president of sports medicine and performance Reggie Scott on Monday. "(Havenstein's) made great progress, (but) you want to make sure that you don't leave yourself susceptible throughout the course of the week in practice to any sort of setbacks, while also making sure that you get it tested accordingly," McVay said. "And so those will be things that we'll be cognizant of. But, I know he's really chopping at the bit, ready to go, ready to help lead and do his thing and play the way that he's capable of." Havenstein, 32, has started all 11 games that he has played this season for 97 percent of the offensive snaps. He missed the season opener against the Detroit Lions with an ankle injury, then missed a three-game stretch in November with more ankle issues. The Rams selected Havenstein in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft when the franchise was in St. Louis. He has started all 141 regular-season games and all 11 playoff games that he's played in his Rams career. --Field Level Media