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Updates from Week 4
Quarterbacks
According to Gary Klein of the LA Times, Matthew Stafford “showed no signs of a sore elbow” in joint practices against the Bengals. Cooper Kupp was positive about Stafford saying “The ball is coming out of his hand really nicely, got the same pepper on it. He’s still hauling the ball down the field, so everything looks good from my end.” The competition for QB2 has opened, with John Wolford and Bryce Perkins both playing in week two of the preseason before Perkins played the entire final game of the preseason. Klein projected Wolford to be the backup, but the fact this is subject to debate is a notable development in the offseason. Likewise, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic projected the Rams to keep Wolford and Perkins but projected Perkins to be the backup ahead of Wolford.
Running Backs
Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson nursed soft-tissue injuries for a while, but they were both in Monday's practice sessions. The absence of Akers and Henderson allowed Kyren Williams to work with the first-team offense after missing time at the beginning of camp. Williams was held out of the final preseason game, while Funk started and led the team with 12 carries. Head coach Sean McVay noted this was a sign Williams was an integral role on the team. With Jake Funk also able to contribute on special teams, the team could keep four running backs on the 53-man roster.
Wide Receivers
Cooper Kupp is locked into the lead role with the Rams offense while Allen Robinson “tightened up” during a mid-week practice according to McVay. The issue is not expected to be a concern but is something to monitor heading into the final week before the season. Van Jefferson made the trip with the Rams to joint practices with Cincinnati Bengals but was a participant in only individual drills. There is still a chance Jefferson could return in Week 1, which could influence the remainder of the wide receiver depth chart heading into cuts. Lance McCutcheon has begun to work with Wolford on the second team, something he did not previously do in training camp. McCutcheon’s performance during the pre-season earned him more work higher up the depth chart as he tries to make the roster. He made another great case to make the roster, leading the team in targets (8), receptions (5), and receiving yards (76) in the final preseason game. McCutcheon led the league in receiving yards in the preseason (259). Rodrigue projected the Rams to keep Kupp, Robinson, Jefferson, Ben Skowronek, Tutu Atwell, McCutcheon, returner Brandon Powell, and hybrid player Jacob Harris.
Tight Ends
The Rams are projected to keep Tyler Higbee and Brycen Hopkins after cutting Kendall Blanton. Higbee failed to stand out in 2021, while Hopkins has performed well thus far in training camp. The team cut Kendall Blanton last week and could use Jacob Harris in a hybrid role if they choose to keep only two tight ends. With the ability of the wide receivers to contribute on special teams and the heavy use of 11 personnel, the Rams could keep only two tight ends.
Defense
Jalen Ramsey has been participating in joint practices with the Cincinnati Bengals, including breaking up a pass against Tee Higgins. Ramsey said he is not 100% yet, but he would be “when the time is right.” According to Klein, Wagner has “commanded the Rams defense and made several plays” during practices with the Bengals. Leonard Floyd suffered an ankle injury earlier in camp, but it is no longer an issue. He should be ready for Week 1.
Returners
The Rams added Brandon Powell at midseason last year to boost their return game and Powell delivered well enough to retain the role heading into 2022.
Updates from Week 3
Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford expressed optimism about his elbow this week, saying, “I'm just going out there, doing my work [and] trusting the process that we have. I know that I'm able to go out there and function at a high level right now. So, whatever it feels like, hopefully, continues to keep getting better as it has. But I know that functionally, I feel like I can do everything I need to do. So just trying to continue on that road." Head Coach Sean McVay did not “see any reason to be concerned." He added “I think ideally, you'd like him to be totally pain-free. He's better equipped to be able to answer those questions, but I know this: Based on evaluating him throwing the football, he looked like the Matthew that I know. And that's the most important thing.” McVay also mentioned Stafford threw over 75 balls in the mid-week scrimmage and “had great command.” The general theme of the reporting of Stafford’s elbow injury has been uncertainty combined with conflicting quotes, but reports of Stafford throwing well in camp is a good sign for Week 1. The decision of keeping three quarterbacks could revolve around Matthew Stafford’s elbow health.
Also notable is the decision to play John Wolford in the second preseason game. McVay said of the decision, “I think these are valuable experience opportunities for a player like John, who we have a ton of confidence in, but he hasn’t played a whole lot,” said McVay. “You can’t really substitute where you’re able to get tackled, get out there and play with some of the other guys. … We feel like this would be the best opportunity for John to get in there, get into a rhythm and routine. It was really just thinking about (the) best way to set up John for the most success.” This could signal a potential roster battle after Bryce Perkins performed well in Week 1 of the preseason, with commentator Andrew Siciliano mentioning Perkins closing the gap on Wolford during camp. Wolford fumbled twice, started slowly, and took five sacks during the game before exiting at halftime. Perkins looked notably better in the second half, including the ability to scramble and evade pressure. The Rams have not typically played players who are safe in their role during the preseason, so there appears to be smoke to the competition for the backup job behind Stafford.
Running Backs
Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson have both been held out of practice because they have “soft-tissue stuff right now,” according to McVay. McVay added, “They’re not full speed. Until they’re full speed, we’re not going to have them practice.” Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic projected the Rams to keep four running backs: Cam Akers, Darrell Henderson, Jake Funk, and Kyren Williams. Notably, the ability of Funk and Williams to play on special teams was more important to the projection than the soft tissue injuries Akers and Henderson are dealing with, indicating both are expected to return soon. Akers, Henderson, and Williams were all inactive in the second preseason game, which gave Funk the opportunity to start. Funk only had two touches before exiting. Raymond Calais, Trey Ragas, and A.J. Rose finished out the game at the running back position before Calais and Rose were cut on Saturday.
Wide Receivers
The wide receiver position is one of the most difficult to project who makes the roster. Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson are roster locks. Van Jefferson is recovering from knee surgery, with his timeline for return a question. The team has also used Ben Skowronek as a fill-in for Jefferson’s physical role in the offense, but there are doubts he can stretch the field. Tutu Atwell can stretch the field but is too small for the physical role Jefferson plays. Other receivers on the roster watch include punt returner Brandon Powell, positional tweener Jacob Harris, and preseason standout Lance McCutcheon. In the second preseason game, Skowronek and Atwell were inactive, signaling their role with the team in the season is secure. For the second consecutive week, McCutcheon flashed, winning a matchup against the number three pick in the NFL Draft Derek Stingley on his way to leading the team in receiving. McCutcheon has played well enough in the past two preseason games that it will be difficult for the team to cut him. Harris also played with the first team and caught four balls for 24 yards on seven targets and contributes on special teams.
Tight Ends
Tyler Higbee sat out with the starter in the first preseason game. He is locked into his starting role. Brycen Hopkins and Kendall Blanton both played, with Hopkins leading the team with six receptions. The preseason game was telling, as the Rams waived Blanton on Sunday.
Defense
The Rams have held out their defensive starters from preseason games thus far. Jalen Ramsey continues to get limited work in practice as he works his way back from his shoulder injury. Bobby Wagner has received praise during camp for his ability to manage the offense and could be the in-season play caller on the field.
Offensive Line
The Rams' have two starters to replace from last year's Super Bowl-winning group. Left tackle Joe Noteboom should be decent in place of Andrew Whitworth, who retired. Whitworth has mentored Noteboom for years. However, right guard Coleman Shelton, the former 2018 UDFA with the lead on replacing Austin Corbett, is less established. The team drafted Logan Bruss to compete (third-round, Wisconsin), but Bruss is out for the season with a knee injury. The Rams line is a decent group, with some uncertainty in their grade due to turnover.
Updates from Week 2
Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford has received some throwing rest leaving John Wolford to run the first offense. Bryce Perkins is a watch in preseason games, particularly after he showcased his mobility in the preseason in 2021. Stafford and Wolford were both held out of the first preseason game, giving the start to Perkins. Brycen Perkins started in the first preseason game and had a rough start to the game through the air, but settled in. Perkins drew interest before the cut-down deadline in 2021 and demonstrated his mobility, converting third downs with his feet and scoring a touchdown. Perkins also threw two touchdowns. Perkins may have the opportunity to make the roster as the third quarterback behind Wolford if Stafford’s arm continues to be a concern.
Running Backs
Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson continue to split first-team reps during training camp. According to Jourdan Rodrigue of the Athletic, the safest bet is on “Akers’ emergence long term as the lead, but a lot of that is based on Henderson’s health history. Both running backs look sharp in the passing game, where I expect their usage to increase.” Kyren Williams has returned from the PUP list. He has been working in team drills and participating on special teams. Williams will compete with Jake Funk for a roster spot. The decision about keeping three or four running backs will likely revolve around whether the running back can contribute to training camp. Funk started the first preseason game, with Akers and Henderson both sitting out the game. Funk got work as a kick returner while getting the first opportunity in the running game, ahead of Raymond Calais and rookie A.J. Rose. With the injury history to Akers and Henderson, the third running back in the backfield is a monitor.
Wide Receivers
Jeff Howe of The Athletic has made “no secret in their desire” to bring back Odell Beckham. Beckham is thought to be ready “sometime around November.” Van Jefferson has undergone knee surgery that was a follow-up to an offseason procedure. The timeline around Jefferson’s return has been unclear throughout training camp, leaving an opportunity for other players to get opportunities. Second-year Tutu Atwell has progressed but may not fit the blocking and physical role Van Jefferson plays in the Rams’ offense. According to Rodrigue, Ben Skowronek “has clearly been more of the every-down player than Atwell. The Rams, who want to stay in tempo as much as possible, need a WR3 in Jefferson’s absence who doesn’t necessarily have to substitute out on certain snaps.” Historically, the Rams have not played starters in preseason games under Sean McVay, which was true against the Chargers. Kupp and Robinson did not play, which was not a surprise, but Atwell and Skowronek were also held out of the game. McVay said after the game “[Atwell’s] done a great job throughout camp. He’s gonna have a role with this team, and we didn’t want to put him at harm’s risk. So, he’s gonna be a part of what we’re doing this year and that was because he’s done well, not because he’s done anything other than that.” During the preseason game, Lance McCutcheon had a tremendous catch in double coverage for a long catch and run touchdown before adding another jump ball touchdown. He is a long shot at making the roster but is a monitor in future games.
Tight Ends
According to Rodrigue, there is no mystery at the tight end position: Kendall Blanton is the TE2, and Brycen Hopkins is the TE3 behind starter Tyler Higbee. McVay was optimistic about the position, saying, “Those three guys have played in real games that are big-time games. I think those guys picked up where they left off. We want to see them continue to improve, but we've got three guys we feel good about in that room.”
Defense
During the NFL Draft, the Rams traded for Troy Hill. Hill played with the Rams through 2020 before signing a contract with the Browns in free agency. McVay was high on Hill, saying, “He’s got a comfort in this system. Being able to be here when we first started running variations of this in 2020, he played at a high level. He’s got familiarity with playing the Star position (and) outside corner.” Howe noted, “The Rams have all the confidence in the world that cornerback Jalen Ramsey will be ready for Week 1.” Derion Kendrick and Decobie Durant are rookie cornerbacks who have consistently had positive reviews through the offseason, which will give the team depth behind starters Jalen Ramsey, Hill, and David Long.
Returners
The Rams added Brandon Powell at midseason last year to boost their return game and Powell delivered well enough that the role in 2022 is almost certainly his to lose. Tutu Atwell was the original returner before losing the role and he'll certainly try to earn it back.
Updates from Week 1
Quarterbacks
The biggest story of Rams training camp is the elbow soreness of Matthew Stafford. Stafford is dealing with soreness in his elbow throughout the offseason, with head coach Sean McVay calling the elbow “a tricky deal,” which is “abnormal for a quarterback.” McVay said, “it’s something I’ve never navigated through as a coach with a quarterback.” The team explored non-surgical treatments and has denied reports Stafford is dealing with tendinitis. McVay said the issue is “not a new issue,” and the issue did not catch the team off guard. McVay added that the team is taking precautions because they cannot predict how Stafford’s arm will feel mid-season but felt like Stafford could push through the issue if this were the season. According to the Rams, the reduction in volume for Stafford was part of a pre-planned schedule before entering training camp. The story is unclear and warrants monitoring as McVay said he did not expect to see Stafford throw for a week but said he would “sleep better” after seeing Stafford throw only three days later. John Wolford took over the first-team offense for team drills. Cooper Kupp said that he thought Wolford was doing a “great job” with the first team.
Running Backs
According to Jourdan Rodrigue at The Athletic, Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson split first-team snaps evenly throughout camp. McVay said of the running backs, "I look at it as we’ve got two starting backs. Those guys are great complements (to) one another, but I see them as both starting-caliber players. We need to get them involved. They need to be on the field. I think it’s healthy for them to be able to supplement one another.” McVay was optimistic about Akers, seeing “some positive steps” and that he is “caught up to speed.” The split time between Akers and Henderson is “part of our plan” according to offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Kyren Williams is still suffering from a foot injury but is now moving better and working on the side in practice.
Wide Receivers
Allen Robinson drew consistent and rave reviews from teammates and coaches throughout the offseason and in the first week of training camp. He is locked into the WR2 role in the offense opposite of Cooper Kupp and should have a good opportunity for a big target share. Van Jefferson will miss much or all of training camp after undergoing knee surgery. The Rams are guarded on the exact nature of the surgery, but this is Jefferson’s second knee procedure of the offseason. This surgery opened opportunities for other players, including Tutu Atwell. Allen Robinson was complimentary of Atwell, saying, “Since Day 1 I've been here, I've seen him ascend each and every day.” Kupp also was complimentary of Atwell and his grasp of the offense. Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic wrote, “Coaches love Skowronek because he is a fearless and violent blocker.” He also learned all three receiving positions but lacked consistency with his hands last season. Odell Beckham is still an option for the team, but he won’t be ready until midseason. Ian Rapoport reported that a signing is not imminent.
Tight Ends
Jacob Harris was initially drafted as a tight end but converted to wide receiver. His practice was limited, though, after straining his groin during the opening week of camp. Tyler Higbee is the entrenched starter for the Rams, with reserves Kendall Blanton, Brycen Hopkins, and Jared Pinkney. Jordan Rodrigue of The Athletic noted Blanton “is making a strong case for himself as TE2 behind Higbee after putting together a few smooth days of camp.”
Defense
Jalen Ramsey is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, but he began participating in individual drills after a week. Before that, Ramsey was taking time to coach the younger players. Aaron Donald signed a three-year, 95-million-dollar contract extension, which led Sean McVay to “exhale” in the offseason. Jordan Fuller is working his way back from an ankle injury but can still incorporate himself into the defense early in camp.
