Tavon Austin Injury: St. Louis Rams WR not expected to play
St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the rams 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
The St. Louis Rams have a tough matchup today against the New Orleans Saints, and it’s going to get even tougher since Tavon Austin looks like a no-go this week. The rookie slot receiver out of West Virginia didn’t practice at all this week, and he was even spotting in a walking boot on Friday. Despite all of this, Austin is only listed questionable on the team’s injury report, so the Rams have held out hope that he could play and give them a boost against the Saints today.
According to a source close to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tavon Austin is not expected to play due to his ankle injury, and there are two notable things that we can take out of Rapoport’s report. Firstly, it’s confirmation that Austin is fully expected to be out today. Secondly, it’s further evidence that the Rams are still unwilling to completely rule out Austin, even though there’s absolutely no way a rookie wide receiver plays after never practicing and being seen in a walking boot.
Austin is just about the last person you should be starting in fantasy leagues this week, because he is dealing with a significant injury, is not expected to play, and isn’t a consistent option anyway. His electrifying play would be missed by the Rams, and his absence would make an unlikely upset of the Saints even more improbable.