Sean McVay sees a look in Andrew Whitworth’s eyes: ‘Stay out of his way’
Andrew Whitworth is gearing up to return to the Rams’ starting lineup on Saturday, less than two months after tearing his MCL and damaging his PCL against the Seahawks. For any player, that quick recovery would be remarkable. But for a 39-year-old left tackle like Whitworth, it’s even more impressive.
As Saturday’s playoff game approaches, Whitworth has provided a spark for the Rams in practice and in the locker room. As one of the primary leaders, that comes as no surprise.
“I think it does, just because of his presence,” Sean McVay said Wednesday of whether Whitworth has provided a jolt to the team. “He’s been such a steady leader. You could see the way that his teammates look up to him, not only for his production on the field, but just the way that he pours into these guys. And so, it’s definitely a big boost really for everybody and kind of, like I mentioned at the beginning, you feel his presence. There are certain guys you just feel when they’re out on the field and they just bring those added igniters, if you will. Certainly, I think Andrew is in that category.”
Whitworth doesn’t often show emotion on the field. He typically goes about his business, sometimes showing some fire when landing a big block to spring a running back free. But in the last week of practice, McVay can see a fire in Whitworth’s eyes.
And so this is not the time for anyone to get in his way.
“He’s got that look in his eye,” McVay said. “You don’t want to piss Whitworth off this week. Stay out of his way. So, it was good to be able to get him out here. We’re excited to have him back.”
McVay said Whitworth will be activated off injured reserve this week and will start at left tackle, so long as there are no setbacks. Joe Noteboom, who’s been filling in for Whitworth, will revert to a backup role after playing well as a starter at left tackle.
