The Los Angeles Rams concluded their regular season with a 30-25 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, resulting in a fall from the No. 3 to No. 4 seed in the NFC playoffs. Seattle's quarterback, Geno Smith, led the charge with four touchdown passes, while the Rams struggled, finishing the season with only three wins in their last twelve games.

The Rams' playoff scenario now hinges on the outcome of the Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings game that evening. The loser of that clash will meet the Rams in the wild-card round at SoFi Stadium. Earlier this season, the Rams faced both teams, losing to the Lions twice and defeating the Vikings once.

With their playoff position secured, coach Sean McVay opted to rest key players including quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Meanwhile, Jimmy Garoppolo, making his first start since October, threw for two touchdowns but ultimately could not secure the win, leaving the Rams to contemplate their playoff path.

Byron Murphy II, a rookie defensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks, has been officially ruled out for their Week 18 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams due to a back injury. This injury has worsened during the game, forcing him out before halftime. Murphy, who had already been dealing with this issue, finishes his first NFL season with a total of 36 tackles, two tackles for loss, and half a sack.

Additionally, cornerback Riq Woolen is listed as questionable to return after suffering a rib injury during a touchdown play by Rams tight end Tyler Higbee. Woolen absorbed a significant hit during the play. The Seahawks are already facing challenges in their secondary, having lost starting cornerback Josh Jobe. To fill the gaps, rookie Nehemiah Pritchett will join cornerbacks Tre Brown and Devon Witherspoon on the field.

The Seattle Seahawks will be without starting right tackle Abraham Lucas as they conclude the 2024 season against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Lucas is sidelined due to a new abdomen injury and did not practice throughout the week. With the Seahawks eliminated from playoff contention, it's prudent to rest him in a game of no consequence. Veteran Stone Forsythe and rookie Mike Jerrell are potential replacements for Lucas in the lineup.

This season has been particularly challenging for Lucas, who has missed over half of the games for the second consecutive year. He began the season on the PUP list following offseason knee surgery and only returned to the field in Week 11. Despite his struggles with injuries, he started the last seven games, contributing to a 5-2 record while allowing 17 pressures and two sacks without any penalties.

With Lucas out, the Seahawks will also miss cornerback Josh Jobe, who injured his knee in a Week 17 win. Jobe, who joined the team’s practice squad in September, had emerged as a starter and had been effective in coverage. Tre Brown is expected to start in his place, with rookie Nehemiah Pritchett also active, and veteran Artie Burns could be elevated from the practice squad if needed. Additionally, rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II is questionable due to a back issue, which may lead to further roster adjustments.

The Seattle Seahawks enter Week 18 with no playoff aspirations, having been eliminated from contention. This scenario presents an opportunity for the team to evaluate its younger talent as they prepare for future seasons. Head coach Mike Macdonald is expected to use the game against the Los Angeles Rams to assess five key players who could play significant roles moving forward.

Quarterback Sam Howell stands out in this evaluation. His potential playing time could indicate the team’s confidence in Geno Smith's future, especially as Smith has financial incentives at stake. Howell has had limited opportunities this season, and his performance could influence the coaching staff's decisions regarding the quarterback position.

Another player to watch is cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett, who has been sidelined recently. Despite being a healthy scratch, Pritchett’s previous contributions on special teams and defense warrant a closer look, especially as the Seahawks solidify their cornerback lineup for the future.

Offensive tackle Michael Jerrell is also in a critical position. After starting earlier in the season, he has been a healthy scratch but could see action if the coaching staff opts to rest Abraham Lucas. Jerrell's performance in limited snaps could help determine his role in the upcoming seasons.

Right guard Christian Haynes, a third-round draft pick, has struggled to find playing time. With the offensive line in flux, Haynes needs another opportunity to prove his worth despite losing his starting position to Sataoa Laumea.

Finally, linebacker Drake Thomas has shown promise in limited appearances. With the inside linebacker position needing depth, Thomas could demonstrate his potential in the last game of the season, providing the coaching staff with valuable film to assess his future contributions.

The Seattle Seahawks are seeing promising contributions from their rookie defensive players this season. Defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, selected 16th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, has started in seven games and is gradually finding his rhythm on the field.

Head coach Mike Macdonald praised Murphy's preparation and physical play, noting the need for more pass rush opportunities to elevate his game. Meanwhile, linebacker Tyrice Knight has made significant strides, starting five consecutive games and playing nearly every defensive snap.

Macdonald emphasized Knight's growth and potential, indicating that the team has high expectations for him moving forward. The Seahawks' rookies are poised to play a crucial role as the team aims for a playoff push, signaling a bright future for the defense.