4 players on Rams' initial 53-man roster who may be gone by Week 1

The Los Angeles Rams have settled on initial versions of the active roster and the practice squad, and for many players, it's safe to breathe a sigh of relief. 

For others, not so much.

Whether as a trade chip or an outright cut candidate, these four players should still be looking over their shoulders as Week 1 approaches. 

Actually, check that: potentially as Week 2 approaches, since the Rams have a two-week roster exemption that allows Aaron Donald to practice without counting on the 53-man roster. That said, the Rams have yet to add a temporary 54th player.

4 Rams whose roster spots still aren't safe

Guard Bill Murray

Cut candidate: A seventh-year veteran, Murray made the team for two reasons: one, he impressed throughout training camp and the preseason, and two, backup guard Justin Dedich landed on injured reserve with a non-football hand injury. He'll have to miss the first four games of the season.

Still, Murray has been a practice-squader for most of his career, logging 46 total snaps between the Patriots (2022) and the Bears (2024). The Rams have nine linemen on the roster, excluding both Dedich and rookie tackle Keagen Trost, who is also on IR. Murray was likely one of the last two players in, along with edge rusher Wesley Bailey. He'd be one of the first to go.

It's still possible, if unlikely, that the Rams add a veteran lineman in the nine days before season's start. If left tackle Alaric Jackson is suspended, they may acquire a player and elevate someone like Blake Hance from the practice squad, in order to load up on tackle depth. Beaux Limmer and Dylan McMahon already offer interior help off the bench. As a guard, Murray could be at a disadvantage.

Defensive tackle Ty Hamilton

Trade candidate: To be quite frank, listing Hamilton is a bit stubborn if not something of a reach. He seemed like a cut candidate entering camp; it was rather surprising when he sat out preseason Game 2, indicating his relative job security. At this point, however, why not take the Rams at their word and assume Hamilton is safe?

He very probably is, but there are a few reasons he might not be. First, there's that guy Donald. Yes, the Rams knew he was coming back when they included Hamilton on the initial roster, but things could change if Donald looks 100 percent ready to go by Week 1. In that case, they could keep as few as five defensive linemen on the 53-man roster, boosting another position (i.e, roster 10 offensive linemen depending on Jackson's status). 

Why would they ever do that? Well, rookie Tim Keenan III and veteran Larrell Murchison are still there on the practice squad, waiting to be recalled if needed. 

Also: in a sense the Rams would really still have five d-linemen plus two - edge rusher Desjuan Johnson, who has lined up on the defensive front in the past, and Myles Garrett, who played defensive end in Cleveland's 4-3 scheme. No, Garrett won't spend most of his time up front in Chris Shula's 3-4 operation, but sliding him down from time to time is an option. Attempting to flip Hamilton for a late Day 3 pick could be feasible.

Receivers Xavier Smith or Tutu Atwell

Probably just cut candidates: It's hard to see any reason for having both on the roster. They're both very undersized; they're both primarily vertical-threat receivers. Smith returns punts; Atwell hasn't played special teams since his rookie year, but he could fit the mold given his speed. 

Head coach Sean McVay said the Rams traded for Atwell for depth purposes, and not to do with Puka Nacua's possible suspension to start the year. Nacua is also dealing with a groin issue, but returned to practice recently. 

If not as a replacement for an absent Nacua in Week 1, Atwell adds little to the roster. Seen another way, he makes Smith expendable.

Yes, the Rams sacrificed running back Jarquez Hunter in the Atwell trade, but they were going to cut him anyway - which the Dolphins did themselves. Not even a sunk cost there. Essentially, the Rams got Atwell for free.

Given his lack of involvement in LA last season - or proven special teams value - it wouldn't be a shocker to see him released if Nacua is good to go ahead of the season. Vice versa, Smith's spot could be in jeopardy as well. 

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