Not only did it come as a surprise to the public that Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Robert Woods did not play last Sunday night against Chicago, but it surprised his team as well.
The Rams didn’t find out that Woods wasn’t going to play until about three hours before they kicked off against the Bears, league sources told ESPN.
It was not an ideal circumstance, but the Rams did their best to work with Woods, who was dealing with what the wide receiver and team were calling a personal issue.
Woods missed more practice time this past week before returning to work Thursday and proclaiming that he plans to play Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens. But the Rams know there are no assurances he will.
Woods is dealing with a personal issue that could require his attention at any moment; the Rams said they support him now and moving forward, providing no further details. But it also puts the Rams in a challenging spot.
The Rams are being as supportive as they can; they know it’s important to be sensitive to Woods’ needs at this difficult time. But at 6-4, they are fighting for a postseason spot.
Rams coach Sean McVay told reporters Saturday that Woods is “looking good” since his return to practice. But McVay would not commit to Woods playing Monday night, saying the team is taking his situation day-by-day.
ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry contributed to this report.