The Los Angeles Rams are facing a serious pass-catching crisis right now, so much so that they just brought back a familiar face: wide receiver Xavier Smith, signed off the San Francisco 49ers practice squad. This move comes after the Rams opted not to trade for a receiver before the deadline, showing just how deep their issues have become.
Back From the Bay, Again
Smith isn’t exactly a new face in the Rams locker room. They had him earlier this season, actually, but let him go. During that prior stint, he was their primary returner, and the results were, well, poor. Looking back to last season, Smith did play in 16 games for the Rams, managing 18 catches for 303 yards. Those numbers aren’t exactly eye-popping, but right now, the Rams are in such a bind that any warm body who knows the system is apparently a welcome sight.
Receiver Room on Life Support
So, why the sudden need for a receiver who was previously let go? The Rams’ pass-catching depth chart is an absolute mess right now. Key receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are both on injured reserve. To make room for Smith, they also placed Jordan Whittington on IR. And if that wasn’t enough, tight end Terrance Ferguson is battling a hamstring injury, further limiting the team’s options in the passing game. It’s a brutal string of bad luck that has left them scrambling for healthy targets.
With Nacua and Adams sidelined, and Whittington also out, the Rams are desperate for any help they can get. Smith is a known quantity, even if his previous tenure had some struggles. They need bodies, and they need them now. This team needs a spark, and fast, to keep their season from slipping away.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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