LA Rams News: Team waives Polite to open second roster spot

In LA Rams News: The team waived OLB Jachai Polite in move likely to make room for OLB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo

The LA Rams have been stockpiling help on the edges this season. With the signings of both Justin Hollins and Derek River, the team has been plugging the voids of rookie Terrell Lewis and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. With an imminent return to the active 53-man roster for Obo, it would seem that the Rams have reached their peak depth at the position.

That means that adding an outside linebacker would bump an outside linebacker off the roster. And that is the decision made by the LA Rams, who have announced that they are waiving seldom used outside linebacker Jachai Polite. This was his first year on an NFL team’s

Thus ends the third round selection by the New York Jets with his third NFL team, and temporarily ends his first season on the 53-man roster.

Third time in not the charm

Jachai Polite is a 6-foot-3 258-behemoth whose role is to set the edge, sack the quarterback, and cover the flat. He was drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New York Jets out of the University of Florida, but he was cut prior to that season. He was picked up by the Seattle Seahawks  in September 2019, and was released three weeks later. He finally found a temporary home with the LA Rams in December 2019 to a future reserves contract too help the team’s depth at outside linebacker.

Despite the shallow roster depth, Polite hasn’t seen much action on the field this season. He’s seen 43 defensive snaps, and 128 special team snaps. All told, he’s generated four tackles and one quarterback sack. His peak happened during the Chicago Bears game, when he played in 15 defensive plays and 13 special team formations. In spite of his infrequent use, Polite seemed to have solid upside potential for the Rams. In just four snaps against Washington, he made three tackles, one quarterback sack.

Rams have two open roster spots

Of course, he will now be subject to waivers. If he clears those, the LA Rams will have another opportunity to sign him to the practice squad. They may do that, as they continue to carry kicker Austin MacGinnis on the practice squad. In any case, this is a tough time of year to be released. We hope the best for Polite, as he was easy to cheer for.

I may have the math wrong, but having confirmed on therams.com player roster, the move appears to have opened up a second roster spot on the 53 man roster. That could mean nothing, as the Rams have not filled all roster slots if there is a chance to restore an injured player in  a short amount of time.  Right now, the Rams have Taylor Rapp and Micah Kiser on injured reserve, but either player may have their status changed in the near future.