Ready to go for Week 17

Davis (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site reports.

Analysis: While nursing the shoulder injury ahead of last week's win over the Cardinals, Davis was ultimately active for the game but didn't log any snaps on offense or special teams. After taking part in every practice in Week 17 -- including a full showing Friday -- Davis looks to be in a better place on the health front entering the season finale. That could enable Davis to have a role in the game plan this time around with Todd Gurley (knee) still sidelined, though it's likely that C.J. Anderson will…read more

Listed as questionable again

Davis (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Myles Simmons of the Rams' official website reports.

Analysis: Davis was active last week while dealing with the same shoulder injury, but he didn't play any snaps in a 31-9 win over the Cardinals. He may be headed for another week as nothing more than an emergency option, with C.J. Anderson and John Kelly both better bets to handle the snaps vacated by Todd Gurley (knee).

Maintains limited participation

Davis (shoulder) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site reports.

Analysis: In a Week 16 win at Arizona, Davis missed out on a chance to fill in for Todd Gurley (knee) due to a shoulder injury of his own. With more reps under his belt than Gurley this week, Davis could get in the act behind C.J. Anderson and John Kelly in a backfield sans the Rams' top runner. Coach Sean McVay has said Gurley doesn't need to practice in order to play, so Davis could be relegated to special-teams duty or even inactive status in that reality, with Anderson and Kelly better options to…read more

Limited by shoulder

Davis (shoulder) was limited at Wednesday's walk-through session, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

Analysis: Davis' listing is merely an estimation, but the Rams still have two practices in which he can put in some on-field reps this week. While he was active for Sunday's win over the Cardinals, Davis didn't take the field. Instead, C.J. Anderson (20 carries) and John Kelly (10) benefited in the absence of top back Todd Gurley (knee). A similar breakdown may happen in the regular-season finale if the Rams opt to get Gurley and Davis healthy for the playoffs.

Available in absence of Gurley

Davis (shoulder) is listed as active Sunday in Arizona, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis: Despite missing practice all week due to a shoulder injury, Davis will be available to a backfield without the services of Todd Gurley (knee). The breakdown of potential touches between Davis, John Kelly and C.J. Anderson is unclear, but coach Sean McVay hinted Anderson would get the start if this was the reality. Perhaps Davis' availability will change that, especially since the second-year back has turned three career carries into 20 yards.

Status uncertain Sunday

Davis (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site reports.

Analysis: Davis and fellow running back Todd Gurley (knee) are the only players that will carry designations into the weekend after neither player practiced in any fashion Wednesday through Friday. Coach Sean McVay noted that Gurley's status would be decided after a pregame workout, but it's not known if the same opportunity will be extended to Davis. Even if Gurley sits out and Davis plays, the Rams would likely take a committee approach to the backfield that would likely keep the newly signed C.J.…read more

No go Thursday

Davis (shoulder) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis: If healthy, Davis would stand to benefit in the event Todd Gurley (knee) is limited or sidelined Sunday in Arizona. Unfortunately, Davis has joined Gurley in the trainer's room all week due to a shoulder injury. There's an expectation within the organization that Gurley will give it a go this weekend, but no such sentiment has been expressed about Davis. The remaining backfield options in LA are John Kelly and recent addition C.J. Anderson.

Misses walk-through

Davis (shoulder) didn't take part in Wednesday's walk-through practice, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: If he was healthy, Davis likely would be the primary running back to target in a backfield that may be without Todd Gurley (knee) down the stretch. Though coach Sean McVay expects Gurley to suit up Sunday in Arizona, the stud back could be shut down early if the Rams get out to a big lead. Before that scenario can be pondered, though, Gurley and Davis will have to both prove their health this week. With the duo sitting out Wednesday, John Kelly and veteran C.J. Anderson took on all the…read more

Candidate for increased reps

Davis (shoulder) could see additional snaps Sunday if Todd Gurley (knee) is unable to play, though Davis' status will be monitored throughout the week as well, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis: Davis exited Sunday's contest against the Eagles with a shoulder injury, which could put a possible role expansion in Week 16 on hold. Given how heavily the Rams utilize Gurley, it isn't surprising that Davis saw just four offensive snaps versus the Eagles on Sunday and has taken just five overall this season. Davis would likely slot in behind John Kelly in the pecking order for carries against the Cardinals if Gurley sits, but Davis' status is something to watch as well.

Injures shoulder

Davis hurt his shoulder during Sunday's game against the Eagles and is questionable to return, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis: Davis took one carry for no gain prior to his exit in the second quarter. John Kelly will handle whatever scraps Todd Gurley leaves behind if Davis can't rejoin the contest.

Breaks off career-long run

Davis rushed once for 19 yards during Sunday's 15-6 loss to Chicago. It was his first carry of the season, and he had just a single run as a rookie last year.

Analysis: With Malcolm Brown (shoulder) out, it was Davis who spelled No. 1 back Todd Gurley on the final play of the game. Gurley played each of the previous 62 offensive snaps, so even though Davis was the first man up behind the bell-cow runner, it's probably not a great virtual setup. Davis likely shouldn't be viewed as a reliable option in the majority of fantasy settings.

Competing with Kelly

Davis will compete with John Kelly for backup work out of the backfield while Malcolm Brown (clavicle) is unavailable, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis: Todd Gurley doesn't often leave many snaps or touches for his backup, but there is some chance he'll be rested Week 17 if the playoff-bound Rams don't have anything left to play for. Brown, who may miss the rest of the regular season and potentially the postseason as well, capitalized on that very scenario last year with 18 touches in a meaningless Week 17 loss to the 49ers. Kelly is a sixth-round rookie who outplayed Davis during the preseason, but the latter holds the advantage of an extra…read more

Inactive Monday

Davis (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's matchup with the Raiders, Myles Simmons of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Davis was limited in practice on Thursday with a hamstring injury before returning to full participation on Friday and Saturday. He's listed as the fourth-string running back on the depth chart, so playing time may be hard to come by for the 22-year-old this season.

Looks good early

Davis gained 41 yards on seven carries but failed to catch a pass on two targets in Thursday's 33-7 preseason loss to the Ravens.

Analysis: Davis entered the game after Malcolm Brown but before John Kelly, a rookie sixth-round pick who gained 77 yards on 13 carries and 14 yards on two receptions. Between the draft investment and Thursday's impressive performance, Kelly would seem to have an edge for the No. 3 job over Davis, who had one touch in four games after catching on with the Rams as an undrafted rookie last year. The battle could be of interest in deep fantasy formats, considering Brown is one of the shakier No. 2 running…read more

Davis was inactive for Saturday's 26-13 loss to Atlanta in the wild-card round.

Analysis: Davis only played six offensive snaps through four games and received just a single carry during his rookie season. The USC product projects to remain a work in progress and will begin the 2018 campaign behind Todd Gurley and Malcolm Brown on the depth chart. Additionally, the Rams could opt to add more competition to their backfield through the draft and free agency. Davis is athletic and could develop into a potential change-of-pace rusher or third-down back over time, but it's probably best…read more

Davis (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis: Davis was active for the Week 12 win over the Saints, with both Malcolm Brown (knee) and Lance Dunbar (knee) unavailable, but he logged just one offensive snap in the contest. With Dunbar cleared to play Sunday, the Rams didn't have a need for Davis to serve as a third-string option at running back.

Davis is active for Sunday's game against the Saints and will act as the top backup to Todd Gurley, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis: Davis is fourth on the depth chart at running back, but the absences of Malcolm Brown (knee) and Lance Dunbar (knee) are enough to keep the USC product active for just the third time this season. While Davis will be on hand to give Gurley a breather when needed Sunday, it's still expected that Gurley will handle a three-down role during most of the Rams' offensive drives.

Davis (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Texans, Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site reports.

Analysis: As a result, Lance Dunbar -- who is active for the first time this year -- is slated to back up Todd Gurley, while it's also possible that wideout Tavon Austin could see some backfield touches Sunday as well.