3 Rams to try at kick returner if Alex Bachman doesn't work out

Three games were enough to convince the Los Angeles Rams that punt returner Xavier Smith was not the answer. Smith has already found a new team, signing with the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad.

In the meantime, LA has placed all its chips in recently signed-from-the-practice-squad receiver Alex Bachman. So, what's the problem? Well, while it's admittedly just one game, Bachman's performance fell below that of Smith's.

The team had hoped that third-year wideout Jordan Whittington could handle kickoffs, leaving Smith to field punts exclusively. But Whittington's quad injury earlier this season derailed those plans, forcing Smith into double duty. With Smith gone, the team put Bachman in his place.

Against Philadelphia, he returned four punts for 30 yards and four kickoffs for 89. He allowed a catchable punt to hit the turf and roll in the Eagles' favor, backing the Rams deep in their territory. Not great.

Here are three Rams who could plug and play as a new punt/kick returner. The best part? They're already on the roster.

3 returners Rams should consider as early as Week 5

1. Running back Dean Connors

Undrafted rookie running back Dean Connors is the natural next-man-up option; he has speed, strength and agility, and he already has returned a kickoff for 23 yards. He made quite a debut in the preseason as a versatile and effective weapon, though he has yet to see action on offense now that the regular season is here.

A sturdy 5-foot-11 and 206 pounds, Connors should be able to withstand the physical demands of the role.

2. Wide receiver Tutu Atwell

Veteran wide receiver Tutu Atwell is back in Los Angeles. But like so many prior seasons, the 5-foot-9, 165-pound speedster has yet to see much involvement on offense. Atwell is simply not built for the blocking demands placed on LA's receivers. That wouldn't be a problem if he were returning punts and kickoffs.

Atwell's speed makes him impossible to leave behind. His size makes it impossible to earn a consistent role in the Rams offense. Returning kicks seems like an ideal compromise.

3. Tight end Max Klare

When the Rams drafted Klare, they knew he had a knack for catching everything thrown his way. Well, that would certainly be a solid factor as a returner. Klare is an unconventional option but potentially an intriguing one given his athleticism and power.

And after four games without any targets on offense, he needs an opportunity to contribute sooner rather than later.

The defense is showing up big. Matthew Stafford proved that fourth-quarter comebacks are still part of his legacy. That means the pressure is mounting on special teams. If Bachman struggles against the Buffalo Bills this week, LA will need an instant solution.

Those three above, especially the first two, are worth at least a thought.

As always, thanks for reading.

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