Rams might've just tipped their hand on looming roster calls with latest move

If you follow the past trends of the Los Angeles Rams, you may recognize a familiar strategy in the latest roster moves. The team sits players who make the 53-man roster for Game 3 of the preseason, with few exceptions — special team specialists continue to participate. But the team is expected to pull preseason stars like Stetson Bennett, Blake Corum, and Jarquez Hunter, and even offensive linemen like Beaux Limmier.

Amidst all of the decisions yet to be made, the team must still send a competent team onto the football field in the final game of the preseason to face the Cleveland Browns. One year ago, the team sent QB Dresser Winn to start the third and final preseason game against the Houston Texans. Many of the participants in that game either signed to the practice squad or were outright released.

The team signed FA defensive lineman Carlos Watkins, followed by signing running back SaRodorick Thompson. Both played against Houston, likely subbing in for Tyler Davis and Ronnie Rivers, respectively. So, what is GM Les Snead up to this time?

Rams use familiar strategy by signing OL Mike McAllister

LA has tested nearly every combination of the offensive line this preseason. With five starters sitting out and OT Alaric Jackson excused, the team has rotated linemen to see who fits where. The addition of Mike McAllister signals that some preseason performers have already secured roster spots.

Now the question is, who might that include?

One possible player is undrafted IOL Willie Lampkin, who has recently suffered an injury. An update from head coach Sean McVay suggests Lampkin will be out and nursing a knee/ankle injury for the next couple of weeks. His absence may have necessitated signing McAlister for the final preseason game itself.

But overlaying Lampkin's injury with the unexpected stellar work of undrafted Utah State offensive lineman Wyatt Bowles, and you've got the makings of a roster that comes up short for the final preseason game. As of now, offensive linemen who could play in Game 3 include: OTs AJ Arcuri, Trey Wedig, and David Quessenberry; and IOLs Justin Dedich, KT Leveston, Ben Dooley, Dylan McMahon, Justin Dedich, and now Mike McAlister.

Overlay Lampkin’s injury with the unexpected strong play of undrafted Utah State lineman Wyatt Bowles, and suddenly the roster looks thin heading into the final preseason game. As of now, offensive linemen available for Game 3 include: AJ Arcuri, Trey Wedig, and David Quessenberry; and Justin Dedich, Leveston, Ben Dooley, Dylan McMahon, and now McAllister.

The final preseason game offers fans one last clue about which players will make the roster. History shows that those still taking the field are unlikely to crack the final 53. That’s why the team turned to McAlister, bringing him back to help get through this final speed bump before real football begins. As always, thanks for reading.

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