Is Ahkello Witherspoon playing today? Full update for the LA Rams undervalued DB

We know that the LA Rams secondary has not panned out in 2024 so far. But the team may reverse that trend with the return of starting cornerback Darious Williams. But there is one problem. Williams, as gifted as he is in pass coverage, is a bit vulnerable to the biggest and most physical receivers in the NFL. And one of those big and physical receivers is on the Las Vegas Raiders in the form of rookie tight end Brock Bowers. Yet, the same tight end the Rams wanted to trade up to get.

With the Raiders having traded away WR Devante Adams to the New York Jets, and WR Jakobi Myers' game status doubtful, Bowers is likely to be targeted 12+ times by the Raiders offense. So who will be used to neutralize him? Well, my money is on veteran DB Ahkello Witherspoon, who has been elevated from the practice squad for Week 7:

Witherspoon saw some action in Weeks 4 and 5 against the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, respectively. He played nine defensive snaps against the Bears and 48 defensive snaps against the Packers. So far this season, he has allowed three of five passes to his receiver to find their mark, and recorded four tackles.

His huge uptick in opportunities coincided with the team's election to make DB Tre'Davious White inactive for Week 5. I suspect a similar approach for Week 7, with Witherspoon getting significant playing time and defending Bowers, while White sits this one out.

Witherspoon stands 6-foot-2, weighs 195 pounds, and is perfectly suited to defend bigger more physical receivers. Even with his fade as the season drew on in 2023, he was very impressive in pass coverage. He allowed just 48.1 percent of passes targeting his receiver to find their mark. So I'm not sure why the team struggled with any decision to re-sign Witherspoon for 2024.

But whatever the reluctance, Witherspoon has been elevated for game day, and I expect that he will get a full day's workout defending Bowers today. With this exhausting his three free elevations from the team's practice squad, I would also look for him to be signed to the team's active roster before Week 8.

Final Verdict:

Yes, Ahkello Witherspoon is very likely to play a pivotal role in the Rams secondary in Week 7. While I fear that rookie TE Brock Bowers is on track to put up career high numbers against this Rams secondary, I do know one thing. If anyone can shut Bowers down, it's Witherspoon.

As always, thanks for reading.

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