Ernest Jones not on practice field and other Rams post-preseason observations

It has certainly been a wild ride over the past 48 hours of monitoring the LA Rams. While this is the time that the front office begins to announce players being released, that all suddenly got pushed to the back burner as Rams rumors surfaced that the ongoing contract extensions between ILB Ernest Jones and the front office had seemingly veered off course. The Rams had permitted Ernest Jones to seek a trade to land on another team.

While Ernest Jones denied requesting a trade, additional details provided by Rams HC Sean McVay confirmed that the front office did hold conversations with other teams. While we do not know whether the dialogue entered true trade negotiations, one thing was also confirmed.

Veteran ILB Ernest Jones did not appear on the practice field.

There are plenty of moving parts to the current Ernest Jones whirlwind. and things that are true one moment can change instantly. If the team is going to make a move, now is the time to do so. Delaying past the roster cuts deadline will force the team to shed a player who might otherwise remain with the team should Ernest Jones be traded. But Jones was not the only player missing from practice.

RB Ronnie Rivers, currently suspected to have earned a roster spot, as present but not participating in practice. Instead, he watched from the sidelines:

Even Stetson Bennett, who is confirmed to have earned a roster spot and will be the team's backup quarterback in Weeks 1 and 2, was absent from practice with an excused absence from the team. Coach McVay confirmed that Bennett would be back practicing with the team on Wednesday.

Yes, it's roster cuts, practice squad, and then Week 1. News and reactions will come at an incredible pace today. The LA Rams, along with 31 other NFL teams, must use the next 30 hours or so to make the decision which players belong on their roster(s) for the 2024 NFL season.

And we are all along for the ride while it happens. Thanks for reading.