Ronnie Rivers is out of the Rams’ 53-man roster projection, a surprising move with just one preseason game left before final cuts get made. This team has one of the most competitive rosters in the league, making those last few spots a brutal fight for young guys and rookies around the NFL. The heat is definitely on as they gear up for their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Big Calls at QB and RB
Talk about some intense roster battles, huh? At quarterback, some folks were wondering if Stetson Bennett could get cut. But honestly, no way. The Rams would absolutely try to get some Day 3 draft capital for Bennett before just outright cutting him. He’s sticking around, for sure, alongside Matthew Stafford and Ty Simpson.
Now, running back? That’s where things get spicy. This projection says the Rams need to consider cutting Ronnie Rivers. Why? Dude is 27 years old, and let’s be real, is any team really going to jump on the waiver wire for a player with just 72 career rushing attempts for 295 yards and zero touchdowns? Probably not. The play here is to roll the dice, cut Rivers, then snag him back for the practice squad, elevating him on game day. That’s a sharp move that could free up a crucial spot for someone else like Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, or Jarquez Hunter.
Rookies Shining and Key Returns
Over at wide receiver, Xavier Smith is getting a redemption shot! After his fumble in the 2025 NFC Championship Game, Sean McVay just gave him a vote of confidence after the first preseason game. That’s huge for a guy trying to make the squad alongside Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, CJ Daniels, Jordan Whittington, and Konata Mumpfield. Tight ends are looking stacked too, with Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, Davis Allen, and Max Klare. That 3 personnel package is here to stay, no doubt.
On the offensive line, we got some changes cooking. Justin Dedich is still healing from a hand incident back in July, still rocking a cast but he’s making progress. He’s on the NFI list right now, which means he does not count against the 53-man roster. That opens the door wide for Austin Blaske, who has looked seriously good in two preseason games. Talk about an opportunity to join Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Warren McClendon, David Quessenberry, Beaux Limmer, and Keagen Trost!
And on the defensive line? Hold up. Aaron Donald is back! McVay’s 2021 Super Bowl speech line, “Believe and it will happen,” totally fits here. You just gotta make space for a guy like that, simple as that. He will be there alongside Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, Ty Hamilton, and Tyler Davis. Myles Garrett and Byron Young are leading the edge rushers, ready to tear it up with Josiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson, and Wesley Bailey.
What’s Next for the Rams?
The final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, August 27th, is going to be absolutely massive. This is it for so many of these guys. Every single snap, every block, every tackle matters. Who else is going to make a statement and snatch one of those last 53 spots? You know the coaching staff will be watching every single play. It’s go time, folks.
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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