Rams activate Whitworth ahead of wild-card game vs. Seahawks

The Los Angeles Rams activated left tackle Andrew Whitworth off injured reserve ahead of Saturday's wild-card game against the Seattle Seahawks, the team announced Thursday.

Whitworth suffered a torn MCL in November but was expected to have a good chance at returning for the playoffs.

It remains unclear who the veteran will protect in the first round of the postseason, as quarterback Jared Goff's status is still up in the air following thumb surgery. John Wolford started the Rams' Week 17 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Despite turning 39 years old in December, Whitworth has shown little sign of slowing down. He isn't anticipating this playoff run will be his last action in the NFL.

"I'm pretty jacked up to come back, that's for sure," said Whitworth, per Greg Bishop of Sports Illustrated. He added, "I don't see any reason why I wouldn't (return) next season."

The four-time Pro Bowler has started 224 games in 15 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and Rams.