5 LA Rams benefiting most from Sony Michel's sudden retirement

I: RB Zach Evans

While he was considered a steal of the 2023 NFL Draft, the opportunities to crack the Rams roster for rookie running back Zach Evans just got a whole lot easier with the sudden retirement of veteran RB Sony Michel.

Evans stands to benefit most now. Standing 6-foot-0 and weighing 215 pounds, Zach Evans is the default short yardage running back on the LA Rams roster now. Of course, that role will not just be handed to the young man, as he will need to prove his ability to gain tough yards and keep a handle on the football.

Evans now likely to make the roster

Two days ago, I was uncertain that rookie Zach Evans was going to make the Rams 53-man roster. Today, it feels far more likely. Even if the Rams do add another veteran running back, they will be starting behind all of the other Rams running backs in terms of understanding the Rams offensive playbook and earning the trust of the Rams coaching staff.

Sony Michel was 'different,' in that area, because he was familiar with the Rams offense, the coaches, and he had performed very well for the Rams offense just wo seasons prior. Now, the opportunity to step up and earn playing time falls on Evans.

While we know that getting carries as a rookie running back is by no means automatic in the LA Rams offense, Evans has all of the right foundations to develop into a significant contributor for the LA Rams this season. And without Sony Michel to compete with on the depth chart, Zach Evans could be getting his opportunity sooner rather than later.