Rams' practice-squad reshuffling results in least expected casualty

Well, we have our answer: to make room for former Seahawks linebacker Jamie Sheriff on the practice squad, a move reported two days ago but left unresolved, the Los Angeles Rams are releasing rookie nose tackle Tim Keenan III. 

That's the last player I'd predict. Keenan is only a seventh-rounder, true, but he's a draft investment nonetheless, with intriguing potential as a run-stopper.

You can argue the move makes sense. With Aaron Donald's return, the defensive line is impossibly stacked. Other practice-squaders, like cornerback Cam Lampkin, provide depth at positions of greater need.

Still, even on the defensive line, the Rams could have gone with Bill Norton, who spent last year as well on the practice squad, or veteran Larrell Murchison, a fine rotational piece but without much upside. Instead, the pink slip went to Keenan.

Sheriff is an odd addition to Rams practice squad

It's interesting to begin with that the Rams felt the need for another edge rusher, signing the 6-foot-1, 254-pound Sheriff after he was waived by Seattle during roster cutdowns. 

They made an exception at the position by including rookie phenom Wesley Bailey on the 53-man roster. That gives them five edge defenders instead of their typical four. Darry Peterson III resides on the practice squad. That's adequate depth.

Sheriff does add veteran experience, or at least a semblance of it. The third-year former undrafted free agent has appeared in three games between the Panthers and Seahawks, amassing 51 total snaps. He spent 2025 as a practice-squad member in Seattle.

Tim Keenan III evidently fell from favor in Los Angeles

The Rams definitely don't need more defensive linemen; that much is clear. It wasn't a good sign for Keenan when the team ran him out for all three preseason games, suggesting that he was still fighting for a roster spot. He played 24 snaps in the finale against the Chargers.

While perhaps unsurprising, it was still noteworthy when he was waived during cutdowns. Perhaps it was telling, again, that Keenan cleared waivers, enabling the Rams to re-sign him to the practice squad. Even so, it seemed safe to assume that, as a rookie draft pick, he would take priority over teammates. 

Evidently, the Rams saw more in Norton's size and versatility than in Keenan's rather limited role as a nose tackle. And honestly, that's probably a better investment, as far as practice-squad transactions go. 

For Keenan, it's a stark turnaround from the initial intrigue he brought out of Alabama. His departure means that the Rams approach Week 1 with only three members of this year's draft class active: quarterback Ty Simpson, tight end Max Klare, and receiver CJ Daniels. Tackle Keagen Trost hit injured reserve with a hamstring injury and will miss at least the first four games.

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