Updated Super Bowl LVI injury report

As we close in on Super Bowl LVI, we’re starting to get a clearer picture as to the availability of every Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals starter. While there are no superstars in danger of missing this game, there are a few players of note who are fighting to get back into the lineup at SoFi Stadium on Sunday night.

Let’s take a look at the updated injury reports on each side, and their potential impact on Super Bowl LVI.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m. ET, NBC

Los Angeles Rams

Tyler Higbee: Out (knee)

Unfortunately for the Rams and Tyler Higbee, the starting tight end is out of Super Bowl LVI with an MCL injury suffered in the NFC Championship Game. The burden will be on backup Kendall Blanton to pick up the slack.

“Obviously [Higbee] is a big part of our offense,” L.A. quarterback Matt Stafford told ESPN on Friday. “He’s done an unbelievable job all season helping us get to this point both blocking and running and catching and doing all of the thing [sic] that we ask him to do. But I’ve got total confidence in [Blanton] to come in there and do his thing.”

Joe Noteboom: Out (chest)

Backup offensive lineman Joe Noteboom – out since Jan. 23 with a chest injury – was placed on injured reserve along with Higbee on Friday, so he won’t suit up in Super Bowl LVI. Running back Darrell Henderson and defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day came off the IR in corresponding moves.

Andrew Whitworth: Probable (quad)

Recent Walter Payton Man of the Year Award recipient Andrew Whitworth has been a full participant in practice all week, and the stalwart offensive lineman looks like a “go” for the big game.

Cam Akers: Probable (knee)

Running back Cam Akers was officially listed as “limited” in practice on Wednesday, but the Rams conducted the session as a walk-thru. Akers practiced in full both Thursday and Friday, and carries no official injury designation ahead of the Super Bowl.

Van Jefferson: Probable (knee)

Like Akers, wide-out Van Jefferson was limited on Wednesday, but practiced in full on Thursday and Friday, and should be at 100% on Sunday.

Jalen Ramsey: Probable (shoulder)

All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey was listed as “questionable” in last week’s final injury report, but he was a full participant in every practice this week and carries no injury designation for Super Bowl LVI.

Taylor Rapp: Probable (concussion)

The Rams will get a boost in the secondary with the return of safety Taylor Rapp, the team’s second-leading tackler in the regular season. This will be his 2021-22 postseason debut.

Cincinnati Bengals

C.J. Uzomah: Questionable (knee)

Outspoken Bengals tight end CJ Uzomah went from out to limited to full over a three-day span in practice, and is officially listed as questionable for Super Bowl LVI. After seeing his injury in the AFC Championship Game, it seems like a minor miracle that he even has a chance to play in this game.

If Uzomah sees a limited snap count or is completely unavailable, Drew Sample will have to step up. He's caught only 12 passes for 85 yards all year. 

Jackson Carman: Probable (back)

After being limited on Wednesday, rookie guard Jackson Carman practiced in full on both Thursday and Friday, and carries no official injury designation ahead of Sunday’s tilt.

Cam Sample: Probable (groin)

Cincinnati defensive lineman Cam Sample has practiced in full all week, and should be able to play in the Super Bowl.