Projecting the LA Rams initial 16 player practice squad

The LA Rams roster is complete, for now. The Rams have placed the finishing touches on the initial 53-player roster as required by NFL regulations, and are now awaiting the opportunity to re-sign many of the players cut back to the team’s practice squad.

Unlike more distant NFL seasons, changes that occured upon the onset of COVID-19 in 2020 have truly repurposed the mission of the LA Rams practice squad. Now? The practice squad is an extension of the LA Rams roster, a bed of spare parts players who are no longer limited to talented but long-term development projects.

If the active roster is comprised of players like a closet holds everyday wear, then the practice squad holds the suits, bathrobes, and all other situational apparel. So who will it be? Here are our 16 player predictions:

Special teams (1)

P/K Cameron Dicker

While he was claimed by the Baltimore Ravens and trialed in their final preseason game, former Rams punter/placekicker Cameron Dicker was released by the Ravens as well. This one may end up being a long shot, but his ability to perform at an NFL caliber as either a punter or a placekicker sells me on his usefulness as a backup for the Rams’ special teams unit.

I may be off on this one, but the Rams would be wise to reinvest in a backup punter for the season, particularly if my fears over Riley Dixon’s net punting struggles become reality this season.

Of course, if the Rams are eager to sign a player to their practice squad who was waived by another team, they may do so at the expense of bringing back Dicker so early. The lone challenge with Dicker’s long-term use at punter is a lack of holding the football for field goals. Adding him to the practice squad ensures that he gets sufficient practice at doing so.