2 Rams veterans teetering on the roster bubble and 1 whose hopes have been dashed

The Los Angeles Rams are fast approaching their third and final preseason game. Anyone who plays on Thursday against the Chargers either:

1. Is forced into participating due to their unique role (special teams).

2. Needs additional work to meet coaches' expectations.

3. Remains on the roster bubble and is getting a chance to attract the interest of other teams.

Roster cutdowns come Sunday, on the heels of the final preseason contest. Participants in the finale will almost certainly be hoping for a practice-squad role, at best. Still, new arrivals from the draft and free agency have upped the competition. For fans, that creates a more interesting narrative.

But for returning veterans, it could mean losing a roster spot.

Several veterans who had earned roster spots in the past may lose their place to new competitors. That's the nature of the NFL. Competition dictates winners and losers.

So who are they? Here are 2 Rams dangerously close to missing the cut, and one who, painfully, most likely already has.

3 Rams veterans whose roster hopes are fading or already fried

1. Defensive lineman Larrell Murchison (fading)

When general manager Les Snead drafted Ty Hamilton in 2025 and Tim Keenan III in 2026, something had to give. Keenan is a rookie, which means he should get a roster spot to ensure his development. Hamilton did not play in the second preseason game, suggesting he has earned his spot. But veteran Larrell Murchison is still competing.

Despite appearing in 34 games with three starts over the past three seasons, Murchison has clung to his place on the team by his fingernails. Even in a minor role, he has generated four sacks and 30 tackles across just 432 defensive snaps. But Rams roster spots are at a premium in 2026. And Murchison may find himself back on the practice squad to start the season.

2. Running back Jarquez Hunter (fading)

Second-year running back Jarquez Hunter did not lose his roster spot to competition as much as he lost it to the numbers game. The Rams will carry three quarterbacks and no fewer than five receivers, four tight ends, and three running backs. The three who are on the roster include Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and Ronnie Rivers.

Hunter is fighting for a diminishing number of roster spots. He's up against it.

He has played well in the preseason, rushing 21 times for 103 yards and a touchdown. But the fact that he's still on the field is not a good sign. With uncertainties over the availability of left tackle Alaric Jackson and receiver Puka Nacua, the initial roster will almost certainly carry extra players at those positions.

Hunter loses out in that scenario.

3. Edge rusher Keir Thomas (fried)

Edge rusher Keir Thomas has gotten the benefit of the doubt several times in the past. In 17 games over four seasons, Thomas has recorded 13 tackles. He's still seeking his first sack. But his season-ending injury last summer created a fish-or-cut-bait scenario in 2026.

After two preseason games, he'd already lost ground in the edge-rusher competition, with Desjuan Johnson and rookie Wesley Bailey clearly above him in the pecking order. Now he's on preseason injured reserve.

Thomas may be back on the practice squad at some point, but his chances of making the 53-man roster have been dashed.

Ultimately, head coach Sean McVay and company will make decisions that benefit the team. That forces a balance among various positions that fans may not agree with. But it will also force the Rams to part ways with talented players. Roster cuts will be particularly painful in 2026. The best fans can hope for is that LA re-signs some of those players to the practice squad.

As always, thanks for reading.

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