The two most contentious spots on the Los Angeles Rams’ roster, heading into final cuts this weekend, are at running back and offensive line, making Ronnie Rivers and Austin Blaske absolute hot-button calls for Sean McVay. These are the kinds of moves that define a squad’s depth, especially with the regular season just around the corner.
Who’s In, Who’s Out: The Running Back Room Drama
Rams fans are split, big time. A survey of proposed 53-man rosters shows two running backs and two offensive linemen just barely missing the cut for most people. Ronnie Rivers, a guy we know as the team’s kick returner, is only on 47 percent of rosters submitted by fans. This is wild because McVay has been giving Rivers the “protected player” treatment through two preseason games, meaning he hasn’t played at all. If Rivers makes the squad, his return skills are the obvious reason.
But then there’s Jarquez Hunter. This guy, a fourth-round pick from last year, played a ton of snaps in the preseason, even in the fourth quarter. That’s totally out of character for McVay when it comes to regular season players, something he just hasn’t done before. Hunter didn’t really show up last rookie season, thanks to Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, but he’s on 79 percent of fan rosters now. And get this: Hunter doesn’t return kicks. That could be the real difference maker for Rivers. Meanwhile, Dean Connors, an undrafted guy who played just six snaps against New Orleans, would be a massive surprise if he landed a spot, especially since he could probably clear waivers. The numbers might not favor Rivers if Hunter, Connors, or even Jordan Waters impressed enough.
The Offensive Line Scramble is Real
It’s not just the backfield. The offensive line is another battleground. Austin Blaske, another player at the center of fan debate, played the entire game against the Saints. Then there’s A.J. Arcuri, who, despite being in his fifth NFL season, is still seen as a preseason and practice squad type. This former seventh-round pick logged 51 snaps against the Saints. Both Blaske and Arcuri are only on 34 percent of fan-submitted rosters.
Contrast that with David Quessenberry, who is on a whopping 76 percent of your rosters. The expectation for Quessenberry is widely held: he’s on the team. It’s clear that McVay has some serious choices to make on the line, trying to balance veteran experience with guys who’ve shown out in August.
McVay’s final roster decisions are coming this weekend, and it’s going to be fascinating to see who makes the cut. For some players, like Rivers, Hunter, Blaske, and Arcuri, their NFL futures hang in the balance. It’s a tough time of year, full of difficult calls. Speaking of tough calls, our Seahawks fell to the Titans 19-16 in a hard-fought battle.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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