Will the LA Rams special teams step up once more?

Powell helps Falcons special teams

It was in 2020 that Powell returned to an NFL active roster and was back on the football field.  He was handed the keys to the Atlanta Falcons punt return and kick return duties. While he did not exactly set the world afire in either role, he was able to give the Falcons some decent field position even as the team struggled on defense.

He even was used sparingly as a wide receiver, finishing the year with 12 receptions from 18 targets for 69 yards and two touchdowns. For a depth receiver, it was enough to give some intrigue as to his potential should the Falcons seek a larger role for him in the future. But it was not quite enough to warrant keeping him around in 2021.

Shuffling off to Buffalo

When the 2021 season began, Powell found himself signing to his third new team in three seasons. This time, he was off to the Buffalo Bills, a team with a proven-to-be potent offense. Unfortunately, having a full training camp and preseason did not avail him of a chance to play for the Bills, and the 5-foot-8 188-pound wide receiver was waived once more.

It was not until the LA Rams added him in November 2021 that his opportunity to contribute would occur. After a three-game losing streak, Special Teams Coordinator Joe DeCamillis designated Powell to be activated from the practice squad to return kickoffs for the Rams in the Week 14 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Powell responded with two kick returns for 81 yards, including a phenomenal 65 yarder to open the game.

That was enough to open everyone’s eyes. But it was just the beginning.