Todd Gurley Expected to Be Active with Knee Injury vs. Cardinals Barring Setback

Los Angeles Rams star running back Todd Gurley is expected to be active Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN:

Gurley has been considered a game-time decision throughout the week because of inflammation in his left knee and hadn't been practicing, according to Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com.

"I think I'll be fine (to play Sunday)," Gurley said on Thursday, per Thiry. "Just taking it day by day, recovering, resting, trying to feel better."

"We got a game and I'm pretty sure me being out there, if I can be out there, I would put this team in a good position to help them win," Gurley added. "So why wouldn't I be out there if I can play in this situation? We just lost two, trying to get a first-round bye, like, that's what we are trying to do. We're trying to win."

Head coach Sean McVay also spoke Friday about the possibility of Gurley playing.

"When you've got that hour and a half to decide before the game [about] your inactives, it will probably go right up until then," he said, according to Thiry. "But like we talk about all the time, we'll have some contingency plans in place and we're going to do what's best for Todd."

Gurley, 24, is in the midst of an epic season. He's rushed for 1,251 yards, caught 59 passes for an additional 580 yards and has a league-leading 21 touchdowns. His ability to impact the game as both a runner and receiver has made Los Angeles one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL.

Heading into Sunday, the Rams rank second in yards (421.4) and third in points (32.0) per game. They are also fourth in passing (292.4) and sixth in rushing (129.1) yards per game, in large part because of Gurley averaging 130.8 yards from scrimmage per game.

If Gurley is unable to play, the Rams would turn to C.J. Anderson and rookie John Kelly at running back. However, neither offers near the impact as Gurley, which would be a major blow for a team trying to secure a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout at least the divisional round of the postseason.