Rams' initial roster cuts bring fans a few surprises and angst for Sean McVay

The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Chargers to end the preseason with an impressive but meaningless 3-0 record. Unfortunately, preseason heroes are never guaranteed to remain with the team. And so it goes.

Head coach Sean McVay made an impassioned speech to his players after the game. But even as he spoke, his anguish over the knowledge that many would not hear good news from him came through:

"I gotta tell you guys, man, I'm just so proud of the way that you guys competed. You can even see, really, throughout the preseason, the improvement that was made. But the competitive stamina, a lot of the things that we talk about, you talk about a connected team, that was on display. I can't be more proud to be a part of this.

"Obviously, we've got some tough decisions over the next couple days, but this will forever be a group that started together, and everybody that's in this will have a special part of it, even if some guys won't be here as we move forward."

McVay then tipped off a rambunctious celebration of edge rusher Darryl Peterson III, who led the defense with two sacks and two tackles for loss.

Peterson won't make the team. McVay knows it, and Peterson probably does too. The consolation prize for many preseason stars like him is that their performances could draw interest from 31 other teams.

For now, though, the whole league is frantically paring down summer rosters to achieve the NFL's 53-man limit. So who have the Rams let go?

Rams' first wave of roster cuts holds some surprises

Offense (5)

• Quarterback Matt Caldwell (designated to IR) 

• Wide receiver Tru Edwards
• Tight end Dan Villari
• Tight end Rohan Jones
• Offensive tackle Bryce Henderson (released)

The biggest surprise here is no surprise at all. Despite almost no offseason work, rookie quarterback Matt Caldwell entered the final preseason game and completed five of ten passes for 31 yards and a touchdown. He also scrambled three times for 16 yards.

Caldwell's injury during the game allowed LA to slide him to injured reserve. But he may have a spot on the practice squad later.

The quick release of tight end Dan Villari, while not surprising, is mildly disappointing. Villari's quarterbacking experience offered a unique potential twist to the playbook.

Defense (10)

• Defensive back Alex Johnson (released with injury designation)

• Defensive tackle Payton Zdroik
• Linebacker Devean Deal
• Linebacker NIkhai Hill-Green
• Linebacker Monty Rice
• Outside linebacker Tomon Fox
• Safety Nate Varcarcel
• Safety Alex Cook
• Cornerback Steven Gilmore
• Cornerback Al'zillion Hamilton

The true surprises from the first wave of roster cuts appeared on defense. Both safety Alex Cook and cornerback Al'zillion Hamilton both recorded impressive interceptions this preseason, but it didn't earn them a roster spot. Likewise, outside linebacker Tomon Fox brought special-teams experience, but not enough to stick around.

The first wave is now public information. The team has historically made two more roster waiver announcements before settling into their 53-man roster. And to be clear, any player released has an opportunity to clear waivers and return to the team by re-signing to the 16-man practice squad.

To all players who have been notified of their release, we wish each of you the very best of luck. Clearly McVay does, too.

As always, thanks for reading.

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