Latest trade shakes up Rams depth chart as team prepares for Saints in Week 8

The Los Angeles Rams did not wait until November 4 to make a move. General manager Les Snead is too clever for that, as the price always seems to go up as the NFL trade deadline nears. And Snead loves to get a bargain. Still, there was more to this personnel move than meets the eye.

The team, already dealing with cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon on injured reserve, and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. playing inconsistently as a starter, faced another injury at the cornerback position.

In the course of the Week 7 win, starting cornerback Darious Williams was dinged up a bit, suffering an injury to his shoulder and lateral muscle. That places the trade for Tennessee Titans slot cornerback Roger McCreary into an entirely new light.

This was a need, not a strategic depth move.

As it stands now, Los Angeles expects to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 8 without Darious Williams. That will force the team to rely upon cornerbacks Cobie Durant and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. to start. So how did the team make room for McCreary? The team designated wide receiver Tutu Atwell for injured reserve. That shakes up the Rams depth chart considerably. What changes should fans expect?

Roger McCreary trade shakes up Rams depth chart in time to face Saints

When Los Angeles signed veteran cornerback Tre Brown, he was not allowed to contribute to the secondary. But with the team's current injury status with multiple cornerbacks, fans can reasonably expect McCreary to see some action. But let's dive into some areas that remain open to personnel moves for the trade deadline

1, Cornerback

The Rams secondary is the first position to be impacted by the team's trade for Tennessee Titans' cornerback Roger McCreary. The trade was a surprising bargain, but now fans are left with questions about how it will impact Week 8. For now, expect Cobie Durant and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. to start, with McCreary providing rotational support as a slot cornerback.

2. Wide receiver

The team made room for the McCreary acquisition by placing wide receiver Tutu Atwell on injured reserve due to a nagging hamstring injury. While that solves the problem for a roster slot, it creates more questions about the wide receiver rotation.

The Rams will welcome back Puka Nacua, which will be a huge uptick for the offense. But the team could place a larger burden on rookie wide receiver Konata Mumpfield. Another option could be to increase the workload for speedy wide receiver Xavier Smith.,

3. Offensive line

While not directly impacted by the recent trade, the offensive line faces a monumental decision for Week 8. Right now, it appears that veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein will practice and play against the New Orleans Saints. What does this mean for the depth chart going forward? It means that Los Angeles has every reason to be confident in Warren McClendon Jr. as the next starting right tackle.

That complicates the offseason, as Havenstein's contract is set to expire. Will the team extend the veteran, knowing that a competent replacement is waiting in the wings? Stay tuned.

4. Edge rusher

General manager Les Snead loves to shake things up, and the last time Los Angeles won a Super Bowl, he traded for an edge rusher. While fans unanimously agree that edge rusher is not a need for this team right now, that may not be Snead's take. NFL Insider Jordan Schultz claims that there are many edge rushers up for grabs right now.

A greater supply means the price should drop. Will LA shop for an edge rusher for an NFL playoff push? Don't rule it out. If the team can land an impact pass rusher for a less-than-expected cost, Snead will pull the trigger. Who might that be? Time will tell. But the Rams could convert an unexpected opportunity to trade for another defensive weapon.

Los Angeles is already a contender. But personnel changes are happening. With an imminent NFL trade deadline on the horizon, who knows where this team will end up? As always, thanks for reading.