1 of the most exciting Rams storylines just leveled up for late season surge

While the Los Angeles Rams are not competing on Thanksgiving Day, the last thing fans expected was a flurry of activity from the team the day before Thanksgiving. So far, we know the team has reinforced its secondary in the most unexpected turn of events. But there are several events that deserve the spotlight right now.

Fans are most interested in the return of both wide receiver Tutu Atwell and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon from injured reserve. While Atwell's return was expected, Witherspoon's return is slightly ahead of schedule. After his injury in Week 2, estimates for his return indicated approximately 12 weeks. Returning to face the Carolina Panthers in Week 13 would only be 11 weeks.

Rounding out roster moves, the team also signed tight end Nick Vannett, while designating just-acquired cornerback Roger McCreary to injured reserve.

Los Angeles is getting two starters back at an ideal time. The team had just designated three starters to injured reserve recently, adding a fourth veteran to the IR roster today. So returning two players from IR adds balance to the team's transactions.

Rams secondary is starting to flex its muscles

Perhaps one of the best storylines that nobody expected is the ascension of the secondary from an underperformer to a standout unit. In fact, the secondary boasted the two top graded NFL cornerbacks in Week 12 per Pro Football Focus. More surprisingly, the secondary has been getting better despite injuries to multiple key contributors.

But a saturation point will come, if it hasn't arrived already. At some point, the team will begin to suffer the effects of losing key contributors. No NFL roster is limitless in its ability to absorb the loss of starters.

This Rams defense has been forced to play second fiddle to the defenses of the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts, and Denver Broncos. While you can argue the effectiveness of defending the run and the pass, the ultimate litmus test is points scored. LA enjoys the stingiest NFL defense after 12 weeks and 11 games.

And this defense is one of the best at creating turnovers. Not one component is the sole reason for the team's success this season. But all contribute to the overall winning streak.

Now, the team is welcoming back Ahkello Witherspoon, Derion Kendrick, Tutu Atwell, and tight end Nick Vannett. If you thought this secondary was good before, it just leveled up.

As always, thanks for reading.