5 winners, 4 losers in Rams victory over Cowboys in preseason opener

(5) - Winner: DT Tyler Davis

The LA Rams knew that migrating nose tackle Kobie Turner to a more responsible role on the defense would create a void in his former position. And as a result, the team addressed that need by selecting rookie defensive tackle Tyler Davis. Wearing jersey number 90 this season, the 6-foot-2 299-pound rookie defensive lineman was fighting for a roster spot. Playing behind Kobie Turner and rookie DT Braden Fiske, he has his work cut out for him.

But if his first preseason game is any indication, he has a long career ahead of him.

Not only did Rams Head Coach Sean McVay love what he saw from his rookie defensive tackle, but the television broadcast was communicating with him on the sidelines as he made an outstanding play. And catching McVay's reaction to that feat was priceless.

While I won't guarantee the extent of his defensive snaps in 2024, he will make the roster.

(4) - Loser: DT Larrell Murchison

While it seems rather harsh to categorize a player who was injured in a preseason game and taken out of the game due to that injury, backup defensive tackle Larrell Murchison lost the opportunity to cement his spot on the team's roster. And, as a result of not playing for very long in the game, may have lost ground to rookie DT Tyler Davis (see above)

The business of earning a spot on an NFL team's roster is neither an easy or a pretty task. In the world of 'prove your worth,' players vying for a roster spot can be eliminated simply for being a qualified player who is seen as the fifth-best player at a position with four slots in the 53-man roster.

Rookie DT Tyler Davis had a great game. Veteran DT Larrell Murchison did not. And Murchison was injured:

We don't have details for Murchison's injury. But if it means missing practice time, he will lose ground to his talented teammates.

It may not be the right way to lose ground, but it will happen.