Rams cornerback Talib hopeful to play again

The Los Angeles Rams are optimistic Aqib Talib will play again this season after the veteran cornerback underwent ankle surgery Thursday.

The Los Angeles Rams are optimistic Aqib Talib will play again this season after the veteran cornerback underwent ankle surgery Thursday.

The Rams placed Talib on injured reserve on Wednesday. He sustained a high-ankle sprain in the second half of last Sunday's 35-23 win against the Los Angeles Chargers.

"We're hopeful that, really, within that eight-week timetable, if we want to use that designated to return tag on him, he'll be ready to go," coach Sean McVay told reporters. "So, we're very encouraged and I know Aqib feels that way. Looking forward to getting him back. I don't know exactly what that date would be, but I know that the anticipation is to get him back with a few games left in the season. We'll see where we're at from there."

Having been placed on IR, Talib wouldn't be eligible to return until Week 13, when the Rams play the Detroit Lions on Dec. 2.

Talib, 32, made the Pro Bowl in each of the past five seasons with New England (2013) and Denver (2014-17).

The Rams acquired Talib via trade this offseason, sending a fifth-round pick to the Broncos in the deal.