Rams wide receiver stealing the show at preseason (and it's not who you think)

Not all NFL players develop at the same pace or reach the same ceiling. The Los Angeles Rams know that better than most teams, analysts, or fans. Still, it’s a reality that’s easily ignored, or forgotten, the moment the team suits up for live competition. Early miscues and mistakes tend to stick in the mind. Thankfully, Rams coaches seem to have selective amnesia from one year to the next.

One player benefiting from that clean slate is wide receiver Xavier Smith. Entering Week 3 on the practice squad, Smith was elevated to face the San Francisco 49ers and became the hero. His 38-yard punt return with 55 seconds remaining put the Rams offense at midfield, flipping the momentum and setting up their first victory of 2024.

Even as he was making plays during the game, teammate WR Davante Adams praised his work ethic and knack for coming through. Then he delivered again, hauling in a spectacular 39-yard reception along the sideline on fourth-and-four. That clutch grab set up the Rams for a second touchdown plunge by RB Blake Corum.

It was the type of play that often gets lost in the box score. What made it so vital was that it proved QB Stetson Bennett and Smith share the chemistry and confidence to deliver in a key moment. Those are exactly the moments coaches love to see from their players.

Xavier Smith inches ahead of Britain Covey in heated battle

Smith’s 39-yard reception in the first quarter was a career-long catch, but he wasn’t done. He finished the afternoon catching all three passes thrown his way for 55 yards. Right behind him was veteran WR Britain Covey, who hauled in both of his targets for 31 yards.

Neither Smith nor Covey handled kickoff or punt returns in the game, despite being listed as punt returners on the first unofficial Rams depth chart. Instead, punt return duties went to WR Brennan Pressley and WR Drake Stoops, while RBs Cody Schrader and Jarquez Hunter, along with Pressley, took care of kick returns.

Smith’s showing in the early preseason was so strong that some fans are calling for him to sit out the final two games. That might not make sense to a casual NFL fan, but it reflects the growing belief that players who have secured a roster spot don’t need the extra risk. In their eyes, they’ve seen enough from Smith to already pencil him into the Rams’ 53-man roster.

As always, thanks for reading.

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