Rams expect LB Ernest Jones to miss time with high-ankle sprain

The Rams believe that Ernest Jones has suffered a high-ankle sprain (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). For now, the linebacker is considered week-to-week, which could allow him to return for the playoffs.

Jones began the year as a special teams player before breaking into the starting lineup in late October. Through 15 games this season, he’s notched 61 tackles, two interceptions and one sack. Unfortunately, he was forced out of Sunday’s game against the Vikings after just 11 snaps.

The Rams beat the Vikings 30-23 Sunday and are working to lock down the NFC West after clinching their playoff spot. They hope to have the third-round rookie in tow, especially given his progress in recent weeks.

“I think we got in some situations that really express his ability a little bit more,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said earlier this month (via the team website). “We were in more favorable down and distances for us defensively where they’re forced to kind of throw it. We get a lead and there’s was a lot of the stuff that we loved out of Ernest coming out of South Carolina. You get his feel his range, his ability to be able to sense things and diagnose them. I think our defensive staff has done a great job of just continuing to help him improve.”

Now at 11-4 on the year, the Rams will wrap the regular season with games against the Ravens and 49ers.