© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsLos Angeles Rams lineman Andrew Whitworth (77) and safety Jalen Ramsey (20) celebrate at the end of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium.
Andrew Whitworth will be back for the Rams' playoff opener. After missing seven games because of an MCL tear and PCL damage, the 15th-year left tackle is back on Los Angeles' active roster.
The Rams activated Whitworth from their IR-DTR list and waived linebacker Natrez Patrick, per a team announcement. Whitworth returned to practice last week and was viewed as likely to return in time for Rams-Seahawks III.
Whitworth, who intends to return for a 16th NFL season, has the Rams' starting left tackle since arriving in 2017. He has started in each of the team's previous four Sean McVay-era playoff games. Pro Football Focus graded the 39-year-old blocker as its No. 4 overall tackle through 10 games this year. Whitworth suffered the injury during the Rams' Week 10 win against the Seahawks.
In addition to Whitworth's impending return, the Rams saw Cooper Kupp return to practice and are expected to have Michael Brockers back this week as well. Both missed Week 17 after landing on the team's reserve/COVID-19 list as high-risk close contacts.
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