The last couple of week Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin has been dealing with an ankle injury that he suffered against the Arizona Cardinals. Before today it was expected that Austin would be a game time decision and that if he did play he would be limited.

NFL.com’s Ian Rappaport made it official on Twitter earlier today saying it was doubtful that Austin will be on the field today against the Seahawks.

Sounds like #Seahawks will get to face #Rams without WR Tavon Austin (ankle). Hearing it’s doubtful that he plays in the finale. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2013

A couple of weeks ago, we suggested that the Rams should shut down Tavon Austin and let him get 100% healthy for next year. Ankle injuries are the ones that can nag on a player for quite some time, and getting him healthy should be in the Rams’ best interest.

As disappointing as it may be that Austin won’t be on the field, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. With Austin out it will give wide receivers like Stedman Bailey, Brian Quick, and Austin Pettis more opportunities to show the coaches what they got.

Last week against the Buccaneers, Stedman Bailey shined as he was the team’s leading receiver with three catches for 44 yards and he even scored a touchdown on a double reverse to put the Rams in the lead.

It is upsetting that the Rams’ top draft pick won’t be able to go today, but we wish him a speedy recovery and hope that he comes back better than ever next season.