Knee injury may force Todd Gurley to stay back for 2nd consecutive game

Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay said running back Todd Gurley could miss his second straight game with a knee injury Sunday against San Francisco. "We're just taking it a day at a time right now," Gurley told reporters Monday in a conference call. "I know he's done a nice job with his rehab. No real updates, but we're just kind of going to take it day-to-day with Todd."

The Rams were in a similar position last weekend, ultimately deciding to deactivate the three-time Pro Bowl selection just before their 31-9 win Sunday at Arizona. Gurley has been dealing with inflammation in his left knee since Week 15. Gurley leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns (17) and total touchdowns (21) this season and is second with 1,251 rushing yards. Ezekiel Elliott of Dallas leads the league with 1,434 yards on the ground.

The Rams (12-3) are competing with Chicago (11-4) for a first-round bye, but McVay said Gurley's health takes precedence over playoff positioning. "We want to do what's best for Todd most importantly and what's best for Todd is also what's best for our football team," McVay said. "We don't want to do anything where we're putting him in harm's way, if we feel like it could be something where we're putting him at risk. But if he's getting back, if he's feeling good, then the anticipation is getting him ready to go. But we're just going to take this one day at a time right now."