Eric Kendricks signing gives Rams depth where they need it

Well, just when you started to wonder what Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead might be up to, he answered by signing former 49ers linebacker Eric Kendricks to the practice squad. This under-the-radar addition may have more to it than meets the eye.

Fans are less than pleased with the performance of starting linebacker Nate Landman so far. While his individual performance may be lagging, the overall defense has been very effective. Still, both Landman and Omar Speights have been fighting through injuries suffered in Week 1. Landman injured his shoulder, and Speights' hip was banged up.

Only Speights missed playing time in Week 1, with Shaun Dolac subbing in. But it's been clear that with both starters banged up during the first game, the team's depth at inside linebacker may be tested over the 17-game season. Adding an established veteran like Kendricks certainly bolsters the depth chart.

A 12th-year veteran, Kendricks started 15 games for the Dallas Cowboys as recently as 2024. He put up 138 tackles, three sacks, four tackles for a loss, two interceptions, and broke up three passes that year.

Eric Kendricks gives Rams needed depth at linebacker and special teams

While a practice squad signing, Kendricks may not remain there. The 2019 All-Pro First Teamer has earned starts with each of his five previous teams.

A California native, this Clovis-born veteran is in a sense coming back home. He played college ball at UCLA before being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 with the 45th overall pick. Kendricks enjoyed eight seasons as a Vikings starter before testing free agency in 2023. An unsigned free agent until now, he played one season for three different teams from 2023-25 before signing with Los Angeles.

He was an intriguing trade option in the past. While the Rams did not pull the trigger on Kendricks in 2020, he came to LA for next to nothing six years later.

While known for his work on defense, he is a sure-handed tackler with extensive special teams experience as well. In his lone season with the 49ers, Kendricks split his time between defense and special teams, making six tackles.

Kendricks joins linebackers Elias Neal and Jamie Sheriff on the Rams practice squad. But with multiple players eligible to return to the active roster from injured reserve, look for more roster moves over the next few weeks.

Kendricks' arrival may indicate that the linebacker and special teams roles will be focus points in the next few games. Let's see how this all plays out.

As always, thanks for reading.

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