The Los Angeles Rams have made their final cuts to get to the magic number of 53. Yesterday the Rams released 18 players but cut the final 19 today. Some of the waived players came as a surprise. The good news is that at least ten players could still be added to the practice squad by the first of September.
One of the biggest surprises was the release of linebacker Dakota Allen. He had a great showing in all four preseason games, leading the Rams with 22 combined tackles and one pass deflection. The release of defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers also comes as a shock. He had a sack on Tom Brady during Super Bowl LIII, played 200 snaps last season and was team Rookie of the Year in 2018.
The Rams also cut quarterback John Wolford. He made strong plays in the preseason. Wolford seemed safe after the Rams released Brandon Allen, but today’s decision burst that bubble. The Rams are only carrying two quarterbacks, Jared Goff and backup Blake Bortles.
Cornerback Kevin Peterson, who led the Rams with two interceptions in the preseason, was also cut along with safety Steven Parker. Parker had the longest interception return with 39 yards. Linebacker Ketner Kupp was released as well. He had the second most preseason tackles behind Allen with 18.
Below is the current Rams depth chart:
Offense
Quarterback: Jared Goff, Blake Bortles
Running Back: Todd Gurley, Malcom Brown, Darrell Henderson
Tight Ends: Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett, Johnny Mundt
Left Tackle: Andrew Whitworth, David Edwards
Left Guard: Joseph Noteboom, Jamil Demby
Center: Brian Allen, Aaron Neary (injured, suspended)
Right Guard: Austin Blythe
Right Tackle: Rob Havenstein, Bobby Evans
Wide Receiver: Cooper Kupp, Josh Reynolds, Mike Thomas
Wide Receiver: Brandin Cooks, JoJo Natson
Wide Receiver: Robert Woods, Nsimba Webster
Defense
Defensive End: Michael Brockers, Morgan Fox
Nose Tackle: Sebastian Joseph-Day, Greg Gaines
Defensive Tackle: Aaron Donald, Tanzel Smart
Will Linebacker: Dante Fowler, Jr., Samson Ebukam, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
Outside Linebacker: Clay Matthews, Justin Lawler, Natrez Patrick
Inside Linebacker: Cory Littleton, Travin Howard
Inside Linebacker: Bryce Hager, Troy Reeder, Micah Kiser (injured)
Left Cornerback: Marcus Peters, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Darious Williams
Right Cornerback: Aqib Talib, Troy Hill, David Long, Jr.
Strong Safety: John Johnson III, Taylor Rapp
Free Safety: Eric Weddle, Marqui Christian, Nick Scott
Special Teams
Punter: Johnny Hekker
Kicker: Greg Zuerlein
Holder: Johnny Hekker
Long Snapper: Jake McQuaide
Punt Returner: JoJo Natson
Kick Returner: JoJo Natson
Source: Therams.com
You can follow Erik Ho on Twitter @EHoinSDLVLA. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
