LA Rams News: OLB Lewis returns and surprising roster moves

Second verse for Gervase

The Rams seemed to have second-guessed the decision to part ways with safety Jake Gervase, as the team made room on the roster to bring him back. Gervase is a 6-foot-1 212-pound safety who is entering his second season with the Rams.  He joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2019 from the Iowa Hawkeyes.

He played for the Rams in two games in 2019, seeing action in 13 defensive-snaps and 25 special-teams snaps. While that is a small sample, the short training camp has inflated the value of any experience a player brings with him into 2020. He was a member of the team’s 2019 practice squad and was activated in mid-October 2019.  Even with so little playing time, he warranted a 62.6 grade from Pro Football Focus.

Safety in numbers

Gervase rejoins five teammates to compete for what is likely four safety spots.  It’s likely that the Rams want to raise the competition for the position, and with just five players on the roster at the position, practically all of them were guaranteed a role with the team in 2020. Since Gervase returns from last year, his ability to catch up with the team’s progress should occur without a hitch.

Despite his return to the Rams roster, he still has an uphill battle. The Rams starters of John Johnson III and Taylor Rapp will likely be backed up by rookie Jordan Fuller and second-year player Nick Scott.  Even undrafted rookie safety Juju Hughes has a bit of intrigue as he has both a cornerback and a safety background from college.  He was an outstanding safety for Fresno State and has been named by the coaching staff as a player to keep an eye on in training camp. Here is a highlight video of Hughes to check out in the meantime.