8 waived Rams the team should prioritize as practice-squad targets

So, which Los Angeles Rams failed to survive roster cutdowns? The list was extensive. But fans have to hand it to general manager Les Snead, as he used every weapon in his arsenal to sustain the best roster possible.

He traded running back Jarquez Hunter and tight end Mark Redman, neither of whom had a chance of emerging from the waiver wire and being able to re-sign with Los Angeles.

The list of cut players is pretty heartbreaking. Despite their release, it's easy to rattle off 20+ players who have a legitimate shot of making their presence felt in the NFL this season. Still, Los Angeles only has 16 practice squad slots to fill. So, who should they prioritize?

8 roster casualties the Rams should be glad to stash on the practice squad

8. Defensive back Cam Lampkin

Experience is at a premium with a team that has pushed all of its chips into the center. And the Rams, while investing heavily to upgrade the secondary, desperately need young players who can step into a plug-and-play role over a 17-game season. Cornerback Cam Lampkin is such a player.

7. Defensive lineman Bill Norton

Okay, with Aaron Donald's return, why worry about depth along the defensive line? Well, Donald played his best when teamed up with massive defensive linemen Ndamukong Suh and A'Shawn Robinson.

Both Suh and Robinson tipped the scales at 310+ pounds, and both stood at least 6-foot-3. Big ole Bill Norton is a skyscraper at 6-foot-6 and 336 pounds. And he makes plays to boot. He could make a rotational impact if called up due to injury.

6. Safety Alex Cook

Cook has only spent one preseason in Los Angeles, but he certainly competed like he was engineered to compete in Horns. The star of preseason game No. 2, he snagged a pick-six from his own goal line to stop a New Orleans Saints drive.

5. Nose tackle Tim Keenan III

Despite not making the team, this rookie is only getting started in Los Angeles. If he survives the waiver wire, he will have a chance to watch and learn from some of the best defensive linemen the any one team has assembled in the modern era. And LA needs depth behind veteran nose tackle Poona Ford.

4. Offensive lineman Wyatt Bowles

The Rams' offensive line did not allow a preseason sack, a feat that slipped under the radar as many harped on LA's lack of depth. The Horns would be thrilled to welcome Bowles back to the practice squad. If he remains with the organization, he'll be biding his time for a full-time promotion in 2027. The Rams trust him.

3. Running back Jarquez Hunter

After being traded to the Miami Dolphins for receiver Tutu Atwell, Hunter was released by the Fins in short order. As crazy as this sounds, he can re-sign to LA's practice squad if he clears waivers. Imagine that. the Rams wanted Hunter, but estimated no chance of sneaking him past the waiver wire - hence the trade.

Now he could be back.

2. Offensive lineman Bryce Henderson

The the Rams have a very real need for young offensive tackles. Rookie OT Bryce Henderson was part of the unit that protected Rams quarterbacks throughout the preseason. While still a bit raw, jumping back on the practice squad and training daily against LA's pipeline of edge-rushing talent would fast-track his growth.

At a towering 6-foot-8 and 324 pounds, Henderson is worth a long look at the tackle position.

1. Running back Jordan Waters

As talented and equipped as the Rams offense is, it does not boast a versatile bigger-bodied back can do anything and everything. Waters can block, catch, and run with the football. His chemistry with rookie quarterback Ty Simpson is obvious. Since Simpson is the future franchise QB, it could make sense to hold onto one of his favorite weapons.

There are many other names who deserve a shot to re-join the Rams on the practice squad. These eight have have flashed NFL-level talent and are strong fits for the team. Let's hope many (if not all) return to don the Horns once more.

As always, thanks for reading.

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