3 Rams veterans with jobs on the line this preseason (including 2 surprises)

For many fans, the Los Angeles Rams will play three meaningless preseason games as they ready up for the regular season. And that is when the real fun begins. That's an understandable perspective; starters sit and the win-loss record remains unaffected.

But for many preseason participants, the pressure and meaning imply far more. This could be the first or last opportunity to showcase their skills and alter their careers. Many have a limited NFL shelf life. Every year, they must prove worthy of sticking around for one more season.

LA's approach to sitting most regular-season contributors also means that reserves won't benefit from that established support. They'll shoulder the burden of their own performance, as well as compensate for the unpredictable impacts of young teammates.

3 Rams with jobs on the line this preseason

Punt returner Xavier Smith (surprise): He was a dependable receiver last season. But an infamous special teams miscue placed Smith on the slide. Now he must fend off younger teammates while reasserting himself as a dependable contributor in the offense and on special teams. So far, that has not been the case. A solid showing in preseason can put him back on track.

But will he create the same chemistry with rookie quarterback Ty Simpson that he enjoyed last preseason with Stetson Bennett?

Tight end Davis Allen (surprise): This one hurts. But the Rams are unlikely to carry five tight ends on a 53-man roster. So despite career-best production in 2025, Allen is back on the bubble, again. Sadly, he reminds many fans of former blocking tight end Johnny Mundt, only with better hands.

Allen won't dethrone Colby Parkinson and doesn't possess the leadership of Tyler Higbee. Terrance Ferguson wowed in training camp, and rookie tight end Max Klare will get the benefit of all tie-breakers with Allen. Unless Allen shows up in a big way, he may not make the team this year.

Edge rusher Keir Thomas (not so surprising): This defense is loaded with elite starters, but its true measure will be how well rotational players perform. Thomas is back for his fifth season, but injuries and lack of experience have prevented him from reaching his potential. Unless he shows up in a huge way in preseason, he may run out of mulligans.

Josaiah Stewart has leapfrogged him on the depth chart. So has former defensive-end-turned-outside-linebacker Desjaun Johnson. If LA only carries four edge rushers, Thomas is already on the outside looking in. Unless he dictates the tempo in preseason, he won't make the roster.

It feels overly dramatic to assert that veterans who have contributed to the team for years will suddenly find themselves at their final stop. That's not how a bad performance will work. But with imminent roster decisions due in several weeks, no one can afford to be back on the bubble.

Competition never ends, even among teammates. It's a survival of the fittest. Who can survive in the NFL this season is what the Rams will attempt to determine.

As always, thanks for reading.

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