V-8 engine roars and other great takeaways from Rams-Cowboys joint practice

(3) - WR Tyler Johnson filling in nicely for the absent Puka Nacua

Although the 6-foot-1 208-pound veteran wide receiver Tyler Johnson arrived in 2023 like Demarcus Robinson, he season was not nearly as acclaimed or productive as his veteran teammate. Despite having three seasons worth of NFL experience, Johnson was unable to crack the Rams roster last season. But he was ready to go, then, and now.

While we do not have any video clips showcasing Tyler Johnson's highlights or performance in the joint practice / scrimmage against the Dallas Cowboys, we did get some high praise about his performance in the post-practice press conference from Rams HC Sean McVay at the 11:30 mark in the embedded video on the first slide:

"I thought he was awesome. You know, I thought he did a great job. You could see his
sense of urgency. I have mentioned how good of a job DeMarcus [Robinson] has
done in his second year. I feel very similar about Tyler Johnson in terms of the
confidence, the ownership, [and] the understanding. He is a grown man. He had
a great route... I thought he ended his day in a really positive way with a great
play-action route on the left sideline, making a big play [and] creating a bunch
of separation for Matthew. [He] Had some really tough physical blocks at the
point of attack in some shorter situations... third down and one and some
second and shorts. I was really pleased with him. He is doing an excellent job."

- Coach Sean McVay

Of the options of players who would be tapped to step up for the injured Puka Nacua, it seems that veteran Tyler Johnson is taking an early lead. While there are many more opportunities to go before the season starts, the type of praise from Coach McVay is more than a mention of one solid play. Tyler Johnson is fulfilling all of the responsibilities of competing in and for this offense.

The team loves to find and use wide receivers who can block, and clearly Tyler Johnson is checking all of the boxes right now. Even knowing that Puka Nacus is expected to return in time to play in Week 1, his absence is creating an opportunity for one more receiver to show up and be ready for their shot at contributing.