In the final stages of building out their 2026 roster, the Los Angeles Rams took time out to knock off their roommates, the L.A. Chargers, 20-18 in the preseason finale. In perfect Hollywood fashion, the game and roster build was shrouded in mystery, a last-minute plot twist, and a touch of drama.
Mystery still surrounds the fate of Aaron Donald’s return. Just hours before the kickoff, the Rams turned the the table on roster projections by trading running back Jarquez Hunter, in the midst of a heated roster battle, for wide receiver Tutu Atwell, a roster lock. The controversy, amongst fans at least, is that Atwell had spent his first five years in L.A. with more potential than distinction and wasn’t offered a contract after the 2025 season.
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For the Rams newcomers, this roster was gong to be tough to make, there were just a few positions in play. General Manager Les Snead has filled the coffers with players that fit into Head coach Sean McVay’s exacting protocols. The Rams coaching staff has put together a mentally/physically tough squad that plays hard to the whistle.
While the Charger game had a few watch-worthy individual performances, It appeared that the game had little effect on a roster reset. In fact, it was the few players that didn’t/hardly participate that told the story.
Here’s my final roster reset, an opening 53 projection (players in bold), a 17-man practice squad (PS), and individual snap counts (in parentheses) from the Rams/Chargers game.
Quarterback (3)
Matthew Stafford, Ty Simpson (48), Stetson Bennett
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No changes, the only debate is the “official’ naming of QB#2. Simpson looked decisive and sharp on the short throws and it was cool to see Matthew Caldwell (26) get some play time. McVay doesn’t usually give his QB#4 camp arms that much action.
Running back (3)
Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers
All of the roster battle debate went out the window before kickoff with the trade of Jarquez Hunter. The Rams do not usually give up on draft picks, unless their just not a fit. I’m going with Dean Conners (38) over Jordan Watwers (36) for a PS berth.
Wide receiver (6)
Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, Tutu Atwell
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Welcome home, Tutu. “You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave.”
His addition almost assures that both CJ Daniels (34) and Brennan Presley (53) are the odd men out. Both are likely destined for the PS. I thought Presley was outstanding throughout the preseason slate, the best of the L.A. receivers. Tyler Scott (42) showed flashes over the preseason, but as is in his past, not near enough to justify a roster spot. Goodbye to Tru Edwards (38) and Alex Bachman (32).
Tight end (5)
Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson, Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, Max Klare (41)
No surprises, most fans would agree that this was always going to be the lineup. Mark Redman (24) to the PS for sure and the Rams initial monetary investment in Dan Villari (20) gets him there as well. Rohan Jones (12) only received a handful mop-up offensive reps over three games.
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Offensive line (10)
Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Warren McClendon, Beaux Limmer, David Quessenberry, Justin Dedich, Keagan Trost, Dylan McMahon
Throwing in Dylan McMahon as the surprise 10th offensive lineman, he really played solidly in the first two games and got the night off in the finale. RG Austin Blaske, C Wyatt Bowles, LT AJ Arcuri, and RT Bryce Henderson all played every snap, 74. Bill Murray (30) was the fifth starter. In the first two drives, against most of the Chargers first teamer’s, they had their hands full, but over a body of work, all handled themselves quite well. Blake Hance stepped in for Murray.
Tough battle for the PS. As much as I liked Wyatt Bowles effort and C/G versatility, the combination of AJ Arcuri, Austin Blaske and Bill Murray offers the Rams comprehensive versatility insurance.
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Special teams (3)
Ethan Evans, Harrison Meevis, Joe Cardona
No need to worry about the specialists, all three are solid. Again, double-teaming the gunner’s on punt returns, could really open things up. Upgrade onkick coverage? Well, fans will believe it when they see it.
Defensive line (5)
Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, Tyler Davis, Ty Hamilton
The defensive interior, as a whole, has not played well in preseason. Bill Norton (30) has led the way, he’s tough to move, but doesn’t get much push. Tim Keenan (24) needs plenty of seasoning. Larrell Murchison (26) looks to be near the end. Although Payton Zdroik (27) and Jaxson Moi (27) both looked to have improved over three games, neither are ready to contend with higher grade competition.
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Edge (5)
Myles Garrett, Byron Young, Josiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson, Wesley Bailey (2)
The biggest recipient of the defensive line’s ho-hum play will be Bailey. I think the Rams will want to protect him, he strikes me as the only player at the bottom of the roster that would not clear waivers. Darryl Peterson (42) improved incrementally over his three outings and wins a PS role. Latecomers Tomon Fox (45) and Devean Deal (23) were always here as camp bodies.
Off-ball linebacker (4)
Nate Landman, Omar Speights, Shaun Dolac, Grant Stuard
Another position where the end result was never in doubt. Nikhai Hill-Green (49) got in a lot of work over three games and while not outstanding, showed enough for a PS berth. Elias Neal (21) is cut from the same cloth, a good guy to have on the practice squad. Monty Rice (26) was added just for preseason games.
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Safety (5)
Kamren Curl, Quentin Lake, Kamren Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough, Nick Anderson (8)
I’m going to stay with Anderson (8) making the 53. He appears to be from the Rams toughness/effort/IQ mold and played generally well. Nate Valcarcel (42) doesn’t justify a opening roster bid, but is a good prospect for the PS. Alex Cook (49) could challenge for the PS, but doesn’t have as much growth potential. Coaches love Tanner Ingle (29) for his hustle and work ethic, but he still struggles to take good angles.
Cornerback (4)
Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Emmanuel Forbes, Josh Wallace
The Rams got Cam Lampkin (36) plenty of work both outside and in the slot, but I’m not sure his preseason play was enough to crack the billet. AZ Hamilton (44) had some flashes and will get development work on the practice squad. Didn’t see enough consistency from Alex Johnson (17) over three games, but he could sneak onto the PS. Nyzier Fourqurean (39) is in the same boat. Steven Gilmore (10) mopped up.
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Practice squad (17)
RB Dean Conners
WR Brennan Presley
WR CJ Daniels
TE Mark Redman
TE Dan Villari
OL Austin Blaske
OL Bill Murray
OL AJ Arcuri
DL Tim Keenan
DL Bill Norton
E Darryl Peterson
LB Nikhai Hill-Green
LB Elias Neal
S Nate Valcarcel
CB Cam Lampkin
CB AZ Hamilton
P Jack Bouwmeester (Exchange)
The AD effect and final roster thoughts
If the Rams do come to terms and activate Aaron Donald by Monday, I would guess that edge Wesley Bailey becomes the odd man out. Bailey does strike me as the likely most sought after of the Rams final cuts and could therefore be snapped up, but 9 of 10 Rams fans would prefer Donald back in horns over a youngster who still needs a lot of development work.
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The opening roster may be in line for a couple of tweaks before the opener with the 49ers, depending on a few outcomes. Fans are still in the dark about about possible suspensions to Alaric Jackson and Puka Nacua, while the severity of Keagan Trust’s hamstring also needs adjudication. And of course, the Rams Pro Personnel Department will be scouring the waiver wire and practice squads, when set, for any possible poach candidates the braintrust favors.
Tell the forum about your opening roster thoughts!
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