Rams News: LA Rams waive 17 as team works to 53 man limit

Rams News: Rams roster at 63 as team waives 17 players as the team works to meet the 53-man limit

The LA Rams are in the process of pruning their roster and are parting ways with an initial cut of 17 players. The Rams, like all other 31 NFL teams, must reduce the team’s roster to 53 players to meet the NFL roster limit effective Saturday, September 5, 2020, at 1:00 pm PT. A day later, the team may choose to add those same players, or others, to the practice squad beginning Sunday, September 6, 2020, at 9:00 am PT.

The Rams returned 57 players from 2019. The team then added two free agents, nine rookies, and 22 undrafted free agents to compete for a roster spot in training camp. The competition ended yesterday  Today, cuts are being announced:

While that seems to be a significant step, keep in mind that the Rams will be calling 16 players to sign to the practice squad this year.

Who survived round one?

What do these cuts tell us?  Well, some undrafted rookies have made it past the first wave of cuts. That includes WR Trishton Jackson, RB Xavier Jones, LB Christian Rozeboom, DL Eric Banks, DL Jonah Williams, and DL Michael Hoecht.

While the odds of six undrafted players making the 53-man roster are unlikely, the Rams will likely place Jackson, Jones, Rozeboom, and perhaps Hoecht will as well.  The Rams have 16 players to assign to their practice squad, So with the roster conceivable at 61 after the Rams elect to place Travin Howard and perhaps A’Shawn Robinson on IR/PUP reserve lists.

The hardest part of the roster cuts is the realization these are people who immersed themselves in their dream to play in the NFL.  Whether or not we cheer or jeer for these young men, this is a significant loss to them for the time being.   Hopefully, the Rams will sign many back to the practice squad.

Curiously, the LA Rams retained all nine drafted players. Will they keep all nince on the 53 man roster?  The odds are better today than yesterday. Stay tuned!