3 reasons why Rams 12-personnel can break Tutu Atwell loose in Week 5

(3) - Why else are Rams carrying 3 tight ends on the active roster?

The Rams roster is set up to run. With four running backs and three tight ends on the active roster, this team took steps to run more effectively this season. But the Rams have witnessed the wide receiver group get decimated with early season injuries, which is to be expected with an offense that sticks with 11 personnel while only carrying six (or five) wide receivers.

The team understood that starting TE Tyler Higbee would enter 2024 NFL season on IR. So the team made it a point to upgrade the depth at tight end by signing TE Colby Parkinson, a veteran player who has been modestly successful on the team so far.

While the team took action to reload the roster with more tight end help, Parkinson joins two tight ends who are both eager and gnawing at the bit to get their own fair share of opportunities. Veteran TE Hunter Long, who had a disappointing injury-marred 2023, is back and has already demonstrated the natural instincts of a blocking tight end to rival that of former TE Johnny Mundt.

And then there is second-year TE Davis Allen, who showed incredible knack of hauling in contested catches with a limited number of targets last season. While fighting off a back injury, Allen was healthy enough to suit up for Week 4.

The problem is that the team has six tight ends across all roster designations, and three tight ends on the active roster. So why is the team insisting on using 11 personnel exclusively? According to Lineups.com, the Rams have used 11-personnel exclusively in Weeks 1 and 2. The team infused 12-personnel in 45 percent of the offensive plays in Week 3. But the team reverted to 11-personnel on all but five plays in Week 4.

Keep in mind that the teams WR group is already missing both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. The decision to stick with primarily 11 personnel makes no sense. Either the team needs to redistribute roster slots to expand the number of wide receivers on this team.

Or the team needs to make more opportunities for their currently rostered tight ends.