3 forgotten Rams who could lose their roster spots before Week 1 arrives

Especially on a stacked roster like the Los Angeles Rams', it's easy to forget about the guys further down the depth chart. The training-camp battles getting all the eyeballs in LA are at quarterback (Ty Simpson versus Stetson Bennett) and, to a lesser extent, wide receiver (everyone against everyone after Puka Nacua and Davante Adams).

Of course, there's a scrum at every position. How many offensive linemen will the Rams carry? Who will the third running back be? What about the edge-rushing rotation behind Myles Garrett and Byron Young?

When it comes to rounding out the backend of the roster, every competition is worth tracking. Remember these three youngsters as being candidates to get the short end of the stick during preseason cuts.

These 3 Rams face odds stacking against them

1. Running back Jarquez Hunter

It might sting to move on from the 2025 fourth-round pick in Year 2, but the Rams are competing for a Super Bowl this season and need contributors up and down the 53-man unit. Hunter barely saw the field as a rookie, logging just 22 total snaps - all on special teams. 

For the RB3 role, Los Angeles is more likely to lean on Ronnie Rivers III, who is also a special teams weapon. Moving on from Hunter would open up a spot for someone with a better chance to contribute, or at a position with more pressing depth concerns.

He could, of course, still sign onto the practice squad, but in that case, another team would be able to snap up the still-recent draft pick as a reclamation project. Either way, his time in Los Angeles feels surprisingly insecure.

2. Outside linebacker Keir Thomas II

Thomas lost his 2025 season to injury, then re-signed with the Rams on a one-year deal. The Florida State product has spent his entire career in Horns, appearing in 17 games over three active seasons. 

While the former undrafted free agent has potential, uncertainty about his post-injury form and the recent addition of veteran Tomon Fox may leave the team little choice. Thomas has hopped between the practice squad and the active roster throughout his Rams tenure, but this could be the end of the line.

3.  Interior offensive lineman Dylan McMahon

After stashing McMahon on the practice squad last season, 2026 could be when the Rams decide to move on. The former Eagles sixth-rounder is a bit undersized, even for the center position, and that lack of versatility is a strike against him as a fringe-level backup. 

On the interior, Beaux Limmer can slide between center and guard. Rookie Keagen Trost is most naturally a tackle, but the word is that he is capable of dabbling in all five spots. The tackle position is also where the Rams have the most uncertainty, making depth there more important. 

Although they could still keep McMahon around, using one of those 16 practice-squad slots on a new face might offer more upside. 

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