LA Rams reportedly release LB Johnston and DL Hoecht

Unofficial reports claim that LA Rams release LB Johnston and DL Hoecht. Look for practice squad assignment if players clear waivers

The LA Rams business office may be closed, and national football writers who typically break news about NFL rosters may be relaxing, but the news continues to bubble to the surface over the Rams roster moves. Two unconfirmed reports identify two Rams rookies as likely to be waived.
The first is their seventh-round choice of an inside linebacker, Clay Johnston. This belief is due to a late message thanking the Rams for the opportunity on the player’s own social media IG account.0

That was followed up hours later with

The second is an unconfirmed report that defensive lineman Michael Hoecht will be released, with the intention of him clearing waivers in order to be signed to the team’s 16 player practice squad.

Logical, but unconfirmed

Both reports make sense in the roster composition of what we anticipate for the final 53 man roster.  While Johnston was a drafted prospect, the tone of training camp suggested that Christian Rozeboom outplayed him and overtook him at the end.  With Howard out, the Rams are likely looking to keep four ILBs in Micah Kiser, Kenny Young, Troy Reeder, and Christian Rozeboom. If Johnston is indeed released, he would most certainly be signed to the team’s practice squad.

So too are the Rams a bit heavy at their defensive line position. In 2019, the team kept six players on the active roster. Right now, the team seems heavy at the position with nine players.  To get to the expected number, the team will likely part ways with three on September 5, 2020. That will likely be the three undrafted linemen currently on the roster in Michael Hoecht, Jonah Williams, and Eric Banks.

While the Rams will be freeing up 10 additional roster spots before the 1:00 pm PT deadline for September 5, 2020, many of the released players will likely return to the practice squad. Of course, the team can add players from other teams to either the 53 man roster or the practice squad. Stay tuned!