Forget those preseason flashes you’ve been hyped about, Rams fans. Sean McVay’s roster math is crystal clear: 49 players already have a spot, leaving just four open spots on the final 53-man roster. Yeah, you read that right. If you were holding your breath for some training camp darling to sneak onto the team, the numbers are saying it’s a super tight squeeze.
McVay’s Preseason Strategy Is Lock Solid
Under Sean McVay, the Rams’ preseason agenda is no secret: rest the guys who are definitely making the final roster and let the fringe players fight it out. This year is no different, with some exceptions for quarterbacks like Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson getting reps. But for a lot of key players, it’s just straight up rest. Names like Ronnie Rivers, Xavier Smith, and Zech McPhearson, out of the blue, haven’t seen the field much, which is a pretty clear signal they’re on the team. This strategy means 37 players sat out both preseason games completely, and another five got a break in Week 2 against the Saints. That’s a total of 42 players who seem to be safely in.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Only Four Spots Left
Here’s where it gets real for those bubble players. Beyond the 42 players already sitting, you’ve got three special teamers, two quarterbacks, and two Day 2 rookies who are absolute locks for the 53-man roster. Add those seven to the 42, and you’re already at 49 players locked in. That leaves precisely four spots for everyone else trying to make the team. Suddenly, all those “Wesley Bailey” and “Jordan Waters” training camp headlines feel a lot less impactful, don’t they? Anyone claiming every single preseason standout is making the roster just isn’t doing the actual math. While potential looming suspensions for two starters could slightly change the equation, the reality is stark for most hopefuls.
Looking at the breakdown, the core is set. The offense has 18 players accounted for, including Matthew Stafford at QB, Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and Ronnie Rivers at RB. Your wideouts like Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, and Konata Mumpfield are in, alongside tight ends Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, and Terrance Ferguson. The offensive line also looks solid with AJ Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Warren McClendon, and David Quessenberry. On defense, 19 players are listed, featuring names like Kobie Turner, Poona Ford, Braden Fiske, and Tyler Davis on the defensive line, Myles Garrett, Byron Young, and Josaiah Stewart at edge, and Nate Landman, Omar Speights, Grant Stuard, and Shaun Dolac at linebacker. Xavier Smith, who sat Week 2, totaled over 300 yards last season as a punt returner and depth receiver, making his return expected.
So, the focus now isn’t on who shone the brightest in practice, but on who can actually grab one of those final four spots. It’s a brutal reality for a lot of guys, and we’ll see who makes the final cut as the regular season gets closer.
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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