WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – Rams head coach Sean McVay on Monday said the team will open wide receiver Tutu Atwell's 21-day practice window this week, and that he expects Atwell to play Sunday against the Panthers in Charlotte (10 a.m. PT, FOX).
"He's chomping at the bit to get back out there," McVay said. "And so my expectation is he'll be playing against the Panthers."
This week marks the first week Atwell is eligible to return from Injured Reserve after being on there and missing the last four games with a hamstring injury that he had re-aggravated in Week 7 against the Jaguars.
Atwell has four receptions for 164 yards and one touchdown in six games (four starts) so far this season; that touchdown was an 88-yard reception that ended up being the game-winner in the Rams' 27-20 Week 4 victory over the Colts.
"He's been a really good football player for us that's always just kind of answered the bell based on the opportunities he's had," McVay said. "And it's our job to be able to figure out, 'How do we take advantage of his skill set?' I think (offensive coordinator) Mike (LaFleur) and our offensive coaching staff have done a really good job of highlighting a bunch of different people, and getting Tutu back into the mix is going to be another opportunity for them to do that."
