Rams roster shaken up, and the moves made offer a huge tell for worried fans

The 11-5 Los Angeles Rams may not be starting wide receiver Davante Adams in Week 18. In fact, many starters may be sitting out to face the 3-13 Arizona Cardinals. But at least one player will suit up and compete this week who has not seen action in more than a month. He is tight end Tyler Higbee, and he is back from injured reserve this week.

The challenge is creating an open roster slot for his return. Rather than demoting one of a dozen defensive backs, the team opted to demote defensive lineman Larrell Murchison. He was waived, likely landing on the team's practice squad if he clears waivers.

But the option to demote Murchison is a tell. So, what does it mean?

Well, it proves the moves were forced due to roster limits. Simultaneously to waiving Murchison, the team elevated defensive lineman Jack Heflin from the practice squad, along with safety Tanner Ingle. That may seem like normal roster moves, but there is more to this one.

Rams secondary remains a mystery as team flounders at crest of playoffs

LA's secondary has been a mix-and-match puzzle all season. Due to untimely injuries, the team has swapped defensive backs in and out of the lineup, hoping to find a special combination that works. The fact that the team resisted demoting any cornerback or safety to make room for Higbee's return is mildly alarming.

The fact that Tanner Ingle was elevated for Week 18 simply pours gasoline on the flames.

This defense needs to find an acceptable secondary and stick with it. The practice of rotating players in and out of the defense every other week limits the ability to establish communication, coordination, and chemistry. As the team rounds the corner to the postseason, those factors are missing.

But did the team miss its chance to forge a cohesive defensive backfield? If not, it's pushed the chance to the breaking point. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula needs much better performance from his secondary.

The trouble is that neither he nor DB Coach Aubrey Pleasant knows for certain who will play in the secondary. And the latest roster moves indicate that they want to preserve every option. That's not a good sign for a team about to take its show on the road in the postseason.

Tight end Tyler Higbee is back from IR. But the bigger question is who will play in the secondary, and will they play well enough to secure a victory?

As always, thanks for reading.