Rams defender just became unexpected casualty to set up most obvious roster move

These 10-3 Los Angeles Rams have to be thrilled with their success so far. But if you expected general manager Les Snead to don his smoking jacket and be puffing on a cigar commemorating a job well done, think again. The master of roster moves is at it again, and it appears that the latest personnel changes are step one to something far more significant.

So, some obvious questions form. What did Los Angeles do? And what are the next moves coming to the roster? Well, we've got to take this one step at a time. The team announced a pair of roster moves. While they may seem unrelated, a deeper dive will connect the two moves to make sense for readers.

But it means that wide receiver Tutu Atwell is finally returning to the active roster.

The team released outside linebacker Nick Hampton. At the same time, the team has released tight end Nick Muse from the practice squad. Hampton played 112 defensive snaps and generated 10 tackles and one quarterback pressure. Muse was merely a practice squad player.

How does this make any sense?

Well, the two moves are a clear indication that a player is coming off injured reserve to the active roster. Hampton's release created the open roster slot, and the Muse release creates a practice squad slot for Hampton if he clears waivers.

Will Tutu Atwell earn his salary over final four games?

Tutu Atwell's production in 2025 is nonexistent. Catching four of nine passes for 164 yards and one touchdown is atrocious. He has been a steady contributor with ever-increasing productivity. But the offense neglected to include him in the game plans this season. After he was injured, the coaching staff has struggled to justify bringing him back.

But don't write his obituary in this offense just yet. In two games, he caught three of six passes for 160 yards and a touchdown. If quarterback Matthew Stafford connects with Atwell, the results are spectacular. The same handicap he's faced before has become an insurmountable obstacle this season.

The offense fails to throw his way.

What can Atwell do? Well, the first step is to get reinstated to the active roster. After that, he will need to show up better than ever before. It's not as though he will need 10+ targets per game. He realistically only needs to average six or more targets to put up 100+ receiving yards over the last four games

The final four games will tell the story. LA must face:

• Week 15 - Detroit Lions (8-5) at Los Angeles Rams (10-3)
• Week 16 - Los Angeles Rams (10-3) at Seattle Seahawks (10-3) (TNF)
• Week 17 - Los Angeles Rams (10-3) at Atlanta Falcons (4-9) (MNF)
• Week 18 - Arizona Cardinals (3-10) at Los Angeles Rams (10-3)

The current opponents are not among the NFL's top ten passing defenses. And with wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams attracting all of the attention from defensive backs, Atwell's contribution can be significant with just a few receptions.

Of course, nothing is certain until it happens. But Atwell is the logical next shoe to drop. Stay tuned.

And as always, thanks for reading.