Rams, Chargers practice outside despite fires - ESPN

LOS ANGELES — Amid wildfires raging through Southern California, both Los Angeles football teams held outdoor practices Thursday as they prepare for the first round of the playoffs this weekend.

Smoke was visible from the field at the Rams team facility in Woodland Hills, California, and many Chargers players wore masks.

The Rams are scheduled to host the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium at 8 p.m. Monday in Inglewood, California. On Wednesday, the NFL said it's continuing to prepare for the game at SoFi Stadium, but if there's a need to move it because of the fires, it will be played Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

«I am expecting the game to be in SoFi,» Rams coach Sean McVay said. «We're operating with the full expectation that that's where we're going to play.»

McVay said while players, coaches and staff have been affected by the fires, «fortunately to my knowledge, nobody has been injured. And for that we're grateful.»

«It's one of those deals that almost doesn't feel real, but it certainly is real to the people that are affected,» McVay said. «Praying that as many people are OK. And you just see the amount of people that are affected and it's one of those deals that it gives you perspective, and so hopefully you get this stuff under control.»

A fire broke out Thursday in the Calabasas/Hidden Hills area, neighborhoods that are home to several Rams players and coaches. The team canceled its player media availability so everybody could go home quickly.

McVay said the Rams are monitoring air quality at their practice facility. If needed, the team has explored the possibility of moving practice to SoFi Stadium, but McVay said he doesn't expect to get to that point.

Defensive lineman Harrison