Gurley expected to play vs. Saints despite missing practice with illness

Todd Gurley was a surprise non-participant in the Los Angeles Rams' final practice of the week Friday due to an illness.

Sitting out so close to game day is rarely a good sign for a player's potential availability, but head coach Jeff Fisher later told reporters he still expects Gurley to be available Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, according to Myles Simmons of the team's official website.

Gurley has yet to have the impact expected of him following a stellar rookie season, managing just 591 yards and four touchdowns on 187 carries through 10 games.

Barring any significant limitation to his workload as a result of the illness, however, he'll remain the centerpiece of an otherwise underwhelming offense.

The Rams will hope Jared Goff matching up with a thin Saints defense in his second career start can get the passing game on track and open things up for Gurley on the ground.