How Cooper Kupp's return could create far-reaching impacts to the Rams roster

WR Tutu Atwell

I feel bad for WR Tutu Atwell. Despite a limited role in this offense throughout his career, he continues to show up and deliver at a moment's notice. And if the Rams chose to emphasize a 12-personnel package offensive game plan, Atwell is the ideal offensive weapon to make defenses pay for crowding the box with 8 defenders.

And yet, in his fourth NFL season, a guy who has hauled in 74 of 127 targets for 1062 yards and four touchdowns continues to beg for targets in this offense. That is shameful for an NFL wide receiver who averages 14.4 yards per reception. Atwell is averaging a 68 percent catch rate and 16.5 yards per reception in 2024. He may be small, but he is mighty, blocking as well as his teammates.

The offense should not reduce his targets with the return of Cooper to the active gamedary Rams roster. But if history repeats itself, that is exactly what will happen.

Tight ends: Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, Hunter Long

I am confounded by the disconnect between the team's front office and the Rams coaching staff. The Rams adore tight ends, and we have visual proof that despite boasting tight ends Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and Hunter Long, the team actively pursued rookie tight end Brock Bowers in the 2024 NFL Draft.

I continue to ask, Why?

The front office loves to load up this roster with tight ends, making a compelling case for the offense to deploy two tight-end formations more frequently. But the team has only done so once, and that just so happened to be the Rams' single victory. Is it any wonder that fans and Rams blogger websites continue to emphasize two tight-end offensive plays? Why not go with what works?

And then there is that matter of TE Tyler Higbee getting healthy and returning. At that point, the team must decide whether to carry four tight ends. But this offense only plays one tight end at a time.

There is plenty of untapped offensive production in the Rams' tight end room. Second-year tight end Davis Allen has yet to catch a pass this season. TE Hunter Long has hauled in both passes thrown his way. And while Colby Parkinson is struggling under the workload so far, he may yet level up. But much like the challenges posed to the offense with Kupp's return, Tyler Higbee's return may cause the same ripple effects to the tight end room.