INGLEWOOD — As the Rams offense took the field to open their 27-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, there was one surprise with the starting 11.

Second-year player Justin Dedich was starting at left guard, as he had each of the two previous weeks. Starter Steve Avila, who missed the last two games with a sprained ankle, was on the sidelines despite being in uniform and active for the game.

After the win, head coach Sean McVay said the decision was about being careful with Avila – who did not have a game designation on Friday’s injury report, indicating a clean bill of health — as he continues to recover from his ankle sprain.

“Steve’s still working himself back. I think Justin’s played really good football. You guys know how much I love Steve,” McVay said. “Once he gets back t

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