Training camp just started but 2 Rams rookies are already walking on thin ice

The Los Angeles Rams training camp just opened for business, but the team is already pulling away from the station with two rookies who desperately need reps. Unfortunately, but undrafted rookie wide receiver Tru Edwards and undrafted tight end opened camp with a Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) designation.

Right now, a PUP designation is the kiss of death for a rookie. As you may already know, the PUP designation means that the rookie is not medically cleared or suited for full participation in training camp. It could be something minor, such as a minor injury or not meeting certain prescribed fitness prerequisites.

This is important for the two rookies. In discussing the team's decision to refrain from placing veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford on PUP after learning of back soreness when he reported to camp, Rams Head Coach Sean McVay leveraged his comments about Stafford, describing missed reps in training camp as not alarming for his 17-season veteran.

"Man, every rep matters"

But even Coach McVay pointed out that for a rookie trying to earn a spot on the team and learn the playbook, every snap, every drill, every repetition matters. And so, Redman and Edwards are unlikely to keep pace with a team that they have little familiarity with:

While the chances for either Edwards or Redman to make the team were not great, it's disheartening to see their first NFL season start with such a handicap. Mark Redman is the 6-foot-5, 255-pound tight end out of Louisville, while Tru Edwards is the 6-foot-3, 201-pound wide receiver out of Louisiana Tech.

If you may recall, the Rams enticed Redman to sign with the team with a robust $20K signing bonus, while sending $5K to Edwards just to ink a contract with the Rams.

Despite these setbacks, the team is certainly open to new faces stepping in to fill some gaps as offense playmakers this season. The team has already parted ways with TE Hunter Long, and WRs Cooper Kupp, Demarcus Robinson, and Tyler Johnson this offseason

Mark Redman was a five-year college player who played two seasons with Washington and San Diego State before finishing with one season at Louisville. While never an elite performer, he consistently posed a threat to gain yards and score.

Tru Edwards was a four-year performer, playing one season with Hawaii before transferring for his final three seasons at Louisiana Tech. He exploded in 2024 for 986 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

Training camp just started, but two Rams rookies are already walking on thin ice. While there is plenty of time to make up ground, Tru Edwards and Mark Redman are going to need nothing short of a miraculous training camp to make the team. As always, thanks for reading.

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