Eric Kendricks has more left in the tank than Rams' midseason signing suggests

Linebacker Eric Kendricks is back in Los Angeles, only this time not with the Chargers or playing college ball at UCLA. On Tuesday, Kendricks signed to the Los Angeles Rams' practice squad in his first stint with any team this season. 

Obviously, struggling Nate Landman or not, the Rams aren't expecting Kendricks to come in and start. They aren't even giving him a spot on the 53-man roster, at least not yet. Kendricks is 34 and barely played last season until injuries forced him from the 49ers' practice squad into the starting lineup. There's a reason he was still a free agent this October. 

And yet, as of last postseason Kendricks still had something in the tank. Despite playing only three games in the regular season, splitting snaps between defense and special teams, he started both playoff contests for the 49ers and piled up 19 tackles, including three tackles for loss. 

The 12th-year veteran is more than just a warm body on the practice squad. He was a full-time starter as recently as 2024 in Dallas. With the Rams' injuries at linebacker and need for positional depth, don't be surprised if Kendricks makes his way onto the gameday roster before long. 

Eric Kendricks still has something to give the Rams

Kendricks has an impressive resume. A steady producer, from 2016 through 2024 he recorded over 100 tackles every year. In 2019, he made the Pro Bowl and All-Pro First Team.

His 21.5 career sacks and 11 interceptions represent solid playmaking for an inside linebacker. In 2024, Kendricks notched two picks and three sacks and forced three fumbles.

Is he still that guy? Well, no, probably not. He'd have a contract otherwise; he didn't sign with San Francisco until late November last year. But Kendricks can certainly help the Rams as depth insurance. 

He's only two years removed from a starting job. He was productive in two playoff games for the 49ers despite barely playing all year. To borrow the parlance of head coach Sean McVay, linebacker remains an improvement "opp" on the Rams' roster. 

Speights is playing well; Landman is not. Both have been banged up this year. If one of them has to miss a game, which seemed like a real risk ahead of Week 2, either Shaun Dolac or Grant Stuard would be forced into a starting role. The Rams could use depth alongside practice-squader Elias Neal, who has been elevated twice this season.

Look, Kendricks isn't anything special. But getting a recently productive starter for the price of a practice squad spot is like finding free money on the sidewalk. With five playoff starts to his name, he's someone the Rams might like to have around if they find themselves still dancing in January.

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