Rams' newest special-teams addition could provide an unexpected advantage

The Los Angeles Rams open the season by traveling to Melbourne, Australia, where they'll "host" the San Francisco 49ers. That makes the timing of punter Jack Bouwmeester's arrival in Los Angeles rather ironic. The 49ers released Bouwmeester just days ago after adding him as an undrafted free agent.

That was all general manager Les Snead needed to know. The former Utah Utes punter will now will practice with the Rams.

On the surface, signing a punter seems like a preseason precautionary measure. Ethan Evans had a very impressive performance, perhaps one of the best games of his career. He boomed his punts, but did not outkick coverage. It was exactly what LA needed to see. Why add "competition" now?

For starters, Bouwmeester likely isn't competing for a roster slot. The NFL allows for a 17th 'bonus' slot on the practice squad for International Pathway Program participants. Bouwmeester, who hails from Australia, qualifies.

In essence, he is a special-teams insurance policy that costs nothing in terms of limited roster spots. Well played, Les Snead, well played.

Rams know exactly what to do with Jack Bouwmeester

Bouwmeester is more than a built-in tour guide for the Rams as they prepare to travel Down Under. He arrives in Los Angeles after spending all of training camp with San Francisco. He brings the Rams coaching staff a bird's-eye view of the team's first opponent. While that won't be significant, it could be enough of an edge to give head coach Sean McVay some behind-enemy-lines intel.

And that's plenty.

Bouwmeester's arrival also allows LA to park Evans on the bench for preseason games. That's important, as the Rams saw multiple injuries in Game 1 (receiver Mario Williams and, most notably, tackle Keagen Trost).

As competition for fewer and fewer roster spots heats up, punters become vulnerable to pesky special teamers going for broke to block a punt and impress their way onto a roster.

Don't be shocked if the newly arrived punter sees action. He is a candidate to make the practice squad as the 17th, roster-exempt player.

Snead is not fooling around. He is reaching down deep into his bag of tricks to gain every advantage possible.

As always, thanks for reading.

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