Rams ready up for preseason by padding pass-rusher room with new rookie

The Los Angeles Rams have closed down training camp and are shifting gears to prepare for the preseason. Along with those preparations came a free-agent signing in the form of undrafted rookie pass rusher Daniel Rickert, who tried out for the Tennessee Titans earlier this year.

Rickert's arrival is not the story here. Showing up just in time for the preseason places him at a tremendous disadvantage in competing for a spot on the roster or the practice squad. It could happen, but it's highly unlikely.

Rather, the move is worth noting because of its other implications. As much as possible, the Rams avoid playing starters or rotational contributors in preseason games. We already know they have no intention of trotting out edge rushers Myles Garrett, Byron Young, or Josaiah Stewart.

Adding Rickert suggests that veteran Desjuan Johnson may have joined that category as well as the regular-season rotation's fourth and final edge rusher.

Rams preseason starts to take shape

If you factor out the aforementioned names, the Rams' preseason edge-rusher group still includes Wesley Bailey, Tomon Fox, Darryl Peterson III, Keir Thomas, and Rickert. They will be joined on the defensive line by Larrell Murchison, Tyler Davis, and probably Ty Hamilton plus rookie Tim Keenan III.

While Los Angeles prefers to hold players out of preseason games to avoid the risk of injury, some positions are forced to field regular-season starters. Long snapper Joe Cardona, punter Ethan Evans, and kicker Harrison Mevis will play because the team has no other option. But the timing of Rickert's arrival hints that he will absorb preseason work in place of someone else, such as Johnson.

And if Rickert is needed during the preseason, he'll have a fighting chance to earn a spot on the practice squad. The 24-year-old Virginia product could still provide fringe depth on defense or special teams.

If Rickert shows up with a great attitude, seizes every opportunity, and puts up good preseason footage, just maybe he sticks around.

As always, thanks for reading.

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