Rams roster deck shuffled again: 3 players on the move

The LA Rams have been making a season’s worth of personnel decisions and roster moves in just the first five games. But that has yet to subside, as the team has announced another wave of personnel transactions. Even with this latest report, I’d keep more transactions on your radar.

The latest report was no surprise. So who was affected by the latest Rams roster announcement?

The Rams had to get offensive center Matt Sura on the active roster, as he is the last offensive center option that this team has right now. To do that, the team needed to create roster space.

From the moment that the Rams signed veteran running back Malcolm Brown to the team’s 53-man roster, the odd player out was Jake Funk. Since arriving with the Rams, Funk has never really elevated his play to warrant a spot on an NFL roster. He is capable of playing special teams, which could lead to the team re-signing him to their practice squad if and when he clears waivers.

Edwards gets a chance to truly heal

Thankfully, the third move involves offensive guard David Edwards. That Week 5 start was particularly concerning, as it appeared to be a rush to return him to the active roster after entering the NFL concussion protocol after Week 4:

"‘Yes, I know that starter David Edwards is back. But I believe that the far more physical Oday Aboushi could be an ideal offensive line in this one. Edwards is coming back from a rather serious concussion. While the Rams need stability on their offensive line, I believe that Oday Aboushi not only can provide stability but is a far more physical offensive lineman than Edwards can be fresh off a concussion.’ – Bret Stuter as per 6-step track to ensuring an LA Rams victory for Week 5"

So now Edwards has a safe haven of at least four weeks before he can return to play. What are the LA Rams to do in the meantime?

One possible option would be to start veteran Oday Aboushi at right guard, and move the quite capable Alaric Jackson out to the offensive left tackle spot. That effectively demotes Joe Noteboom back to the sixth offensive lineman, but for good reason. As much as it pains me to say it, Noteboom is getting destroyed as a starter at left tackle. Unfortunately, in the process, so is veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.

So what of the offensive center? Well, the Rams would be wise to get Matt Skura suited up to play at that spot for Week 6.

One more offensive line iteration? Sure, but perhaps the most durable group of the lot. Both Skura and Aboushi have plenty of NFL experience. Right now, the Rams need the consistent play of NFL veterans. That also boosts the Rams bench, as Noteboom has excelled at that role for the Rams in the past.

In the interview below, the Rams OT Joe Noteboom does not appear to be in the right frame of mind to be ready for Round 6. Without throwing shade his way, perhaps the team and the player need to step away from placing him into a starting role right now. Perhaps he is, as some have suggested, fighting through a nagging knee injury.

The Rams cannot sit and hope that things improve. With each week, more and more of their offensive linemen are falling to injury. Making sweeping changes may be the only way to get ahead of this thing.  Will the Rams make more moves? They appear to be in that ‘zone’ right now.

Stay tuned.