Rams cut Cam Lampkin despite standout summer and waiver-wire risk

Fans know it's coming, but roster cutdown day inevitably tugs at the heartstrings. Teams must waive players who have played their hearts out all summer as they whittle down to a 53-man roster. For the Los Angeles Rams, there are more roster-worthy competitors than available roster slots.

One such casualty is cornerback Cam Lampkin, per NFL insider Adam Schefter. Frankly, this is a surprise. Lampkin's body of summer work seemed to position him as a solid roster candidate.

If he's going to stick around, he will need to clear waivers and re-sign to LA's practice squad.

At the same time, the writing was on the wall. Lampkin played in the third preseason game (never a good sign) and had some mixed results with teammate Tanner Ingle in coverage against the Chargers. The Rams appear to be content carrying just four cornerbacks: Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., and Josh Wallace.

Rams risk losing CB Cam Lampkin to waiver-wire claim

While the starters make up an impressive secondary, Lampkin showed plenty of upside as a depth player. And he may yet fill that need in Los Angeles. But if general manager Les Snead hopes to sign Lampkin to the practice squad, he'll have to clear waivers first.

And that's very risky.

No team can say 'enough' to the cornerback position. Lampkin has the added value of knowing LA's defense intimately. Multiple NFL offensive coordinators would love to pick Lampkin's brain, and he will undoubtedly attract interest.

Lampkin's release is significant for LA's defense for two reasons. On one hand, he was a solid performer throughout training camp as well as during the preseason. And he was the glue guy, the veteran in the secondary who seemed to hold an ever-changing cast of defensive backs together.

He was also a fan favorte. His nose-to-the-grindstone demeanor won over initially reluctant supporters. His steady coverage slowly gained recognition. The Rams need young defensive depth, and Lampkin gave them that.

Lampkin would certainly be very welcome on the Rams practice squad. He is familiar with the defense, a versatile presence in the secondary, and he brings youthful but veteran experience. The Horns can always use more of that.

During his time in the organization, Lampkin has provided dependable practice squad depth if an active-roster teammate falls to injury. He'll have to clear waivers to get back there, however, and that's anything but guaranteed.

As always, thanks for reading.

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