Rams' Preseason Finale Pivotal for Players on the Bubble

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24/08/2024 20h28

In the final preseason game against the Houston Texans, the Los Angeles Rams are set to make some tough roster decisions. As bottom-of-the-depth-chart players vie for a spot on the 53-man roster, their performance in this live-game setting becomes crucial. Here are five players who need to step up and showcase their abilities against the Texans in order to secure their place on the team.

Stetson Bennett, the likely backup for the first two weeks of the regular season due to Jimmy Garoppolo's suspension, can't afford a poor showing in the final preseason game. While it might not be guaranteed, a subpar performance could put his roster spot in jeopardy. Bennett needs to demonstrate growth and improvement while avoiding turnovers to solidify his place on the team.

Linebacker Speights faces a challenging situation as well. Although it's likely he ends up on the practice squad, another strong performance could make the Rams think twice about letting him go. Other teams may hesitate to sign him to their active roster during roster cutdowns, and the Rams may be forced to keep him to avoid losing him to another team.

Logan Bruss, the former third-round pick, has impressed during the preseason, but he still needs to prove himself once more. While he has performed well against second and third-string players, his improved strength and footwork have not gone unnoticed. Bruss will need another solid performance to secure his spot on the 53-man roster.

Matt McCollough faces an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster, but a standout performance in this game could complicate the Rams' decision. With a shortage of depth at cornerback, McCollough's physicality and versatility as a "dime" safety make him a valuable asset. At the very least, he aims to showcase his skills and earn a spot on the practice squad.

Johnny Johnson, known as "Mr. Irrelevant," has had a solid preseason so far. However, he understands the need to continually prove himself. With the recent signing of Carlos Watkins, who bolsters the interior defensive line with his size, Johnson must perform well to solidify his spot. Despite his success defending the run, the depth at his position puts pressure on the former seventh-round pick to step up.

The Rams' final preseason game against the Texans presents a crucial opportunity for players on the bubble to make their case for a spot on the team. As roster decisions loom, the performances of players like Bennett, Speights, Bruss, McCollough, and Johnson will play a crucial role in shaping the Rams' final roster.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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