The Rams’ already stellar passing game should have another target on Sunday against the Panthers.
Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters today that wide receiver Tutu Atwell will practice this week and should be off injured reserve and on the active roster to play on Sunday.
McVay said Atwell, who hasn’t played since October 19 because of a hamstring injury, appears to be “ready to roll” this week.
Atwell has only caught four passes this season, but he has big play ability: His 88-yard touchdown in Week Four against the Colts was the longest passing play in the NFL this season, and two of his other three catches went for more than 30 yards. The Rams are adding another playmaker when Atwell comes back.
The Panthers will not have three starters for Monday Night Football.
Linebackers Christian Rozeboom and Trevin Wallace and center Cade Mays were ruled out for the game against the 49ers.
Rozeboom (hip/hamstring) and Wallace (shoulder) missed practice all week, while Mays was added to the report on Friday.
Mays’ absence necessitates a ninth different combination of starting offensive lines in 12 weeks. Coach Dave Canales said earlier on Saturday that Austin Corbett will start at center.
The rest of the names on the injury report do not have an injury designation.
Quarterback Bryce Young (ankle) had full practices all week and is good to go, as are cornerback Akayleb Evans (ankle), wide receiver Xavier Legette (hip), wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (ankle), safety Lathan Ransom (hand) and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (knee).
The 49ers have no surprises on their game status report Saturday.
They ruled out kicker Eddy Pineiro (right hamstring) and linebacker Tatum Bethune (ankle) as expected.
Pineiro has a grade 1 hamstring strain and is considered “week-to-week.” The 49ers signed Matt Gay to the practice squad earlier this week, and he will kick against the Panthers on Monday night.
Bethune has a high-ankle sprain and is expected to miss multiple weeks but will not go on injured reserve with the team’s off week in Week 14.
Defensive end Robert Beal (concussion) is doubtful for Monday night after not practicing all week.
Linebacker Luke Gifford (hip, neck) is questionable after three limited practices.
Quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) were full participants all week and have no injury designation.
Panthers running back Rico Dowdle is slated to become a free agent in March, and he thinks every week about what kind of message his play is sending to any team that will want to sign a running back next year.
“Every week is an audition for me, being on a one-year contract,” Dowdle told reporters in the Panthers’ locker room. “All 31 teams are always watching. So I wouldn’t say just this week in particular but I definitely know I’ve got to go out there and do my best.”
Dowdle entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie with the Cowboys in 2020, played on minimum-salary contracts throughout his time in Dallas, and then signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Panthers this season.
After starting this season as a backup to Chuba Hubbard, Dowdle made a big impact when Hubbard got hurt and has 168 carries for 833 yards in 11 games this season. Dowdle has played well enough that he’s likely to get the biggest contract of his career in four months, and he knows every week is an opportunity to earn more money in 2026.
The 49ers’ practice report had only two changes from Thursday: Running back Christian McCaffrey and left tackle Trent Williams, who had a load management day on Thursday, were full participants on Friday.
Otherwise, it was status quo.
Quarterback Brock Purdy had another full practice, the fourth consecutive full practice for Purdy.
He returned from a toe injury Sunday after a six-game absence to throw for 200 yards and three touchdowns in the win over the Cardinals.
The 49ers practiced without defensive end Robert Beal (concussion), linebacker Tatum Bethune (ankle) and kicker Eddy Pineiro (right hamstring).
Linebacker Luke Gifford (hip/neck) was limited.
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) and linebacker Dee Winters (knee/knee) were full participants.
