The first of three preseason games is in the books for the Los Angeles Rams, as the team moves closer to deciding who will and won’t make the initial 53-man roster on Aug. 30. The Rams beat the Chiefs on Saturday, 20-12, keeping Kansas City out of the end zone and riding a fourth-quarter comeback led by Ty Simpson to an eight-point victory.
Coming out of each preseason game, there will be greater clarity on the state of the roster, with bubble players either moving closer to making the team or falling off the bubble altogether. Below is our latest 53-man roster projection for the Rams following Saturday’s victory.
Quarterback (3)
Nothing is changing at quarterback after one preseason game. Bennett only attempted six passes and looked good in limited action, while Simpson certainly capitalized on his extended look with a stellar debut. Simpson is still behind Bennett on the depth chart and that could remain the case all year, but it was an encouraging start to the year for both quarterbacks behind Stafford.
Running back (4)
Rivers got the day off against the Chiefs, a clear sign that he’s the third running back right now. Hunter had a couple of good, hard runs, but he didn’t wow anyone in a significant way. He remains the fourth running back, and it remains to be seen how many the Rams will carry on the 53.
Wide receiver (6)
Whittington and Mumpfield were held out on Saturday, locking them in as the No. 3A and 3B wide receivers on the roster, in no particular order. Smith, meanwhile, was playing into the fourth quarter, both on offense and as a punt returner. Might that be a bad sign for the speedster? The good news is he had a 36-yard punt return early in the fourth, showing off his speed down the left sideline.
Tight end (5)
Allen is injured at the moment but he’s not in any danger of being cut. The Rams are almost certain to carry five tight ends on the initial roster, with the second-rounder Klare rounding out the group. Klare played well in the preseason opener, catching seemingly everything thrown his way. He had a particularly strong connection with Simpson.
Offensive line (9)
Trost left the opener in the first quarter with a hamstring injury. Hopefully it’s nothing serious enough to cause him to miss regular-season time because he should be the team’s backup right tackle to open the year. If he does have to miss significant time, it could push A.J. Arcuri onto the 53-man roster as tackle depth.
Defensive line (6)
Hamilton did not have a particularly impressive showing against the Chiefs in a game where he could have used a strong performance. He’s teetering on the roster bubble, especially with Aaron Donald’s potential return looming overhead. He’ll need to show up in the next two preseason games to help his chances of making the team.
Outside linebacker (4)
It’s a little bit tough to get a gauge on this position group after the top three. Keir Thomas started the preseason opener and like Johnson, they both played deep into the game. It’s likely that the Rams want to see more out of both players, with rookie Wesley Bailey also lurking as a dark horse to make the team.
Johnson did have a sack late in the third quarter, engulfing Garrett Nussmeier for a 13-yard loss.
Inside linebacker (4)
No changes here, especially after Dolac and Stuard both sat out the preseason opener. That’s an obvious sign that they’re both going to make the 53-man roster, and there probably isn’t another linebacker on the team who will force the Rams to carry five on the initial 53.
Cornerback (5)
Wallace didn’t play against the Chiefs, which is good news for him. He should make the team as the fourth corner, having the versatility to play in the slot and at safety. Lampkin didn’t have his best against Kansas City as he pushes for a roster spot but he’s performed well in practice and is still in the running as the fifth corner.
Safety (4)
None of these four players took the field, yielding all the snaps to guys like Nate Valcarcel and Tanner Ingle. Both looked solid against the Chiefs but it’s still an uphill climb for either of them to make the team.
Special teams (3)
Mevis, Evans and Cardona are secure as the Rams’ core special teamers. No changes are coming to this group.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams 53-man roster projection after Week 1 of preseason
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
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By Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
