Rams Hold Practice In Rose Bowl Because Of Santa Ana Winds

PASADENA (AP) – With wind gusts forecast in the 30 mph range at the team headquarters in Thousand Oaks, the Rams opted to travel 52 miles to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for Thursday's practice.

PASADENA, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Matt Gay #8 of the Los Angeles Rams kicks a field goal during practice in preparation for the Super Bowl LVI at the Rose Bowl Stadium on February 10, 2022 in Pasadena, California. The Rams play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Who said home-field advantage?

Coach Sean McVay felt the calmer conditions at the venerable stadium would make for a more precise session in the longest practice of the week.

The winds were bare at 5 mph in the unseasonable 84-degree heat.

"No wind," McVay said. "This is what SoFi (Stadium) will feel like, really. It was great to come out here. Guys had a really good bounce in their step."

McVay wanted a practice typical for a Thursday so the players were in shoulder pads and either shorts or sweatpants, with minimal contact with no tackling.

"This represented the last full-speed practice, with a lot of reps in all types of situations," McVay said. "Wanted to really see a great, complete practice. Hit a lot of different things. Good urgency."

There were no setbacks for running back Darrell Henderson (knee) and defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day (pectoral muscle). McVay expects both could be activated from injured reserve. Tackle Joe Noteboom (chest) was a limited participant and McVay considers him questionable for Sunday. Tight end Tyler Higbee (knee) and is doubtful to play.

PASADENA, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams talks with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. #3 during practice in preparation for the Super Bowl LVI at the Rose Bowl Stadium on February 10, 2022 in Pasadena, California. The Rams play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

At Drake Stadium, on the campus of UCLA, the Bengals got back tight end C.J. Uzomah, on a limited basis. Uzomah injured a knee in the AFC title game against Kansas City. He participated in individual work and observed team periods.

"He's been good," coach Zac Taylor said. "He's progressing nicely."

Guard Jackson Carman, who was limited Wednesday because of a back injury, progressed as well and was a full participant. Receiver Stanley Morgan (hamstring), defensive end Cam Sample (groin) and defensive tackle Josh Tupou (knee) were also full participants.

"It's a big workday for us and the guys handled it really well," Taylor said. "The guys have done a great job hydrating, and we'll be prepared for Sunday."

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