LA Rams Roster gets finishing touches: 3 activated for SNF on Week 9

The LA Rams must compensate for the loss of Sebastian Joseph Day as well as look for ways to reduce the workload on the secondary, particularly defensive back Jalen Ramsey. And, of course, there is always the need for additional bodies to compete on the special team’s unit.

And so, in what has become a rather weekly exercise, the LA Rams have activated two players from the practice squad in DB Antoine Brooks and DL Marquise Copeland to reinforce the main roster on Game Day. Additionally, and in a bit of positive news, the Rams are welcoming back staring defensive back Darious Williams.

Now, let’s unpack what these moves mean.

Rams roster moves for Week 9

The first player is defensive back Antoine Brooks, added this year from the Pittsburgh Steelers waiver wire. Brooks is a very versatile defensive back, a 5-foot-11 220-pound thumper who can play at the cornerback or safety position for the Rams. He was activated previously for Week 8 and contributed solely to special teams. Look for more of the same this week, as the Rams will need plenty of work to improve in that area.

The second player up is of course defensive tackle Marquise Copeland. Copeland signed on as an undrafted free agent from the Cincinnati Bearcats after the 2019 NFL Draft. He has persevered on the LA Rams roster, despite only appearing in one game. He turned three defensive snaps into a tackle in 2020. He will be looking for more, and will likely rotate in behind Greg Gaines today.

Finally, the LA Rams welcome back Darious Williams to the fold. Williams is the starting defensive back who has been a phenomenal player opposite Jalen Ramsey. In his absence, the Rams have been getting a lot of work out of backups Robert Rochell, Donte Deayon, and David Long Jr.  His return will likely impact Deayon the most, but the Rams have tended to continue a rapid rotation among defensive players.

Rams rogues

Williams has been excellent for the LA Rams defense and is a true star of the secondary. Curiously, he has not recorded a single interception this season. The Rams are currently tied for the top-ranked defense for interceptions with 11 for the season. That is due to four Rams leading the team in that department with two apiece: Jalen Ramsey, Nick Scott, Taylor Rapp, and Troy Reeder.

Williams should be in the market for his first interception on Sunday Night Football.

The Tennessee Titans are a true test to the Rams defense in Week 9. Even without Derrick Henry, their offense is predicated on moving the ball with a very balanced offensive attack. Hopefully, the defense rises to the occasion.