Los Angeles Rams CB Aqib Talib expected to return vs. Detroit Lions

With the Los Angeles Rams closing in on clinching a postseason berth and the NFC West, cornerback Aqib Talib is expected to return for this week's game in Detroit.

Rams head coach Sean McVay said Thursday that Talib is progressing well in practice but did not give a definitive amount of snaps when asked how much the veteran would play.

"I think the anticipation is we'd like that to be able to happen," McVay said. "What does that mean in terms of snap count? What exactly that role is? Really, it is something that we're going to continue to evaluate based on the way that his ankle responds. If things go the way that we anticipate, we hope and what we expect, then I think you can expect to see him playing. How much will be determined as the week progresses."

Talib is returning from missing the past nine weeks following ankle surgery. He was injured in the Rams' Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Talib was activated from injured reserve and participated in a walkthrough on Monday before practicing for the first time since the injury on Wednesday.

"He did a good job," McVay said. "He did a nice job. I think he got more and more comfortable as the practice progressed, which was a positive thing."

The Rams (10-1) can secure a postseason spot and a division title by beating Detroit.

A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Talib was acquired by the Rams in an offseason trade with the Denver Broncos in exchange for a fifth-round pick.

Talib made the Pro Bowl in all four seasons with Denver as well as with the New England Patriots in 2013. He played his first four-plus seasons with Tampa Bay after the Buccaneers drafted him No. 20 overall in 2008.