Rams' Tutu Atwell reunion raises more questions than it answers

Well, isn't this ironic. Tutu Atwell is back with the Los Angeles Rams after being acquired from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for running back Jarquez Hunter. Rams fans could have seen the second part coming. The first part? To borrow a baseball analogy, it comes out of left field.

In free agency, it seemed for all the world that a parting of ways between LA and Atwell was both inevitable and mutually beneficial. 

The partnership had never taken off. It didn't work. It was time for a change of scenery. 

Or not. Of course, the Rams were well-served in returning anything of value for Hunter, given the latter's increasingly scant chances at cracking the roster. That's the driving force behind the trade. But that Atwell is the subject of said return is the last thing on most LAers' bingo cards. The whole thing feels a bit strange.

Rams' Tutu Atwell signing provokes several intriguing questions

Atwell's final season in Los Angeles - or so we thought - was marred by injury and inconsistency. He finished with six catches for 192 yards, including an 88-yard scamper. He was a non-factor in the playoffs. 

Playing on a $10 million franchise tag, Atwell was perhaps the least efficient use the Rams could have put the money to. 

Despite a few productive seasons, the former 57th overall pick never blossomed into the downfield threat head coach Sean McVay imagined. Atwell's return to Los Angeles raises more questions than it answers.

The Rams had seemingly been set with a six-man receiver room: Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, and rookie CJ Daniels. Is someone's spot suddenly up for grabs? 

Smith seemed at risk of losing his spot a few weeks ago, but a strong showing in the preseason opener found him sitting out Game 2, a strong indication that he has his roster seat reserved. Daniels may or may not contribute much this season, but the Rams aren't moving on from him. Obviously. 

They have high hopes for Mumpfield and Whittington has a clear role as a blocker and intermediate receiving target.

What happens with Atwell? Do the Rams carry seven receivers? Is he a candidate for the practice squad? That seems unlikely given his experience and the fact that the Dolphins were quick to scoop him up in free agency, on a one-year, $1.4 million contract. Another team would likely claim Atwell off waivers if the Rams left him off the 53-man roster.

Or, is Atwell insurance in case Nacua, who's been dealing with a groin injury for a few weeks now, is sidelined in Week 1? Perhaps the Rams know something we don't about Nacua's potential suspension status.

Whatever the case, you can bet they had a reason for adding Atwell, a receiver, instead of someone else at some other position.

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