Some observations about RBs, the LA Rams, and next waivers

The LA Rams stepped up and waived five players pretty quickly from the roster. Of course, this was not an option, as all NFL teams must waive players to achieve no more than 85 players by August 17, 20201. But making the necessary cuts today, the Rams have given the slightest of advantages to their former players. How so?

Their agents can now hit the pavement with as much as a 24-hour head start to finding a new opportunity for their client. In the very competitive world of professional sports, availability is still highly prized. And before we go any further, we want to thank all athletes who contributed to the LA Rams with their time and effort, and energy. It’s a tough dream to realize, as many thousands seek the chance, and only a fraction of that population makes it past this point. Best of luck to all NFL players who are or will be waived.

With round one of the team’s roster cuts behind them, the Rams must now turn to face the next wave of five players who need to be cut as the August 24, 2021 deadline draws that much closer. And the Rams will need to let five more players off the roster at that time. But what about the growing consensus that the team will add another running back to help out on offense from the waiver wire?

I wouldn’t look for that to happen just yet for two reasons.

Los Angeles Rams

Rams roster and why delay adding a running back

The first reason is simple. The Rams have played just one preseason game, and the team’s run blocking was a bit rough. It was a poor game to judge the caliber of the running backs, particularly since Brandon Staley seemed at times to be going for a preseason shutout. Since the Rams offense was not controlling the game clock, the team ended the game with 24 rushing attempts across five different players. Even if the team does part ways with a running back soon, adding a veteran will only halt the evaluation process on at least one player, but most likely two. With that in mind, the team will likely hold off from adding players for at least one more week.

The second reason is a bit more involved. You see, the first cuts from NFL team rosters fall into two categories. The player is either a bit more development-needy than the team has time for at this point in time. Those types of players won’t help the Rams, as the team needs production, not reserves. The second type of player involves players who are no longer economically feasible under their current contract. They are a bit too expensive for what the Rams want to pay. It would be far better for the Rams to negotiate a contract from scratch.

But in a week’s time, the cuts get a bit deeper. Better players find themselves victim to playing at too deep of a roster position. Even if the player is talented enough to play in the NFL, their former team may have too many running backs. That’s when the Rams will act. The NFL is not there just yet.

If the Rams are going to add a running back who they intend to play in 2021, he will be claimed on August 25.  Otherwise, the team will need to make do at the running back position until the starting offensive line lines up to face the Chicago Bears.