As the Los Angeles Rams look to continue their strong campaign, they have brought in more reinforcements, adding veteran tight end Nick Muse.
The Rams are at home, taking on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11. Both teams are riding high into the matchup at 7-2. How Muse fits into the Rams’ plans is unclear, given the makeup of their roster.
Still, the former Minnesota Vikings third-round pick’s arrival is noteworthy.
Former Vikings TE Nick Muse Joins Rams Practice Squad
GettyNick Muse #34 of the Minnesota Vikings runs after a catch against Marcelino McCrary-Ball #40 of the San Francisco 49ers.
Los Angeles Rams PR announced in a post on X on November 11 that they had “Signed Practice Squad Veteran TE Nick Muse.”
Muse, who turns 27 on November 25, was the No. 227 overall pick of the 2022 draft. He has caught one pass for 22 yards on one target in six career games played, all of which have been with the Vikings.
Muse has also spent time with the Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles this season.
“Muse tore his ACL late in 2019 but finished top three on the South Carolina team in receiving the past two years. Lined up inline and on the wing, Muse is a good-sized, presentable target with plus foot speed but needs a runway to create separation as a route runner. Though he is a rugged blocker at the line of scrimmage and second level, his lack of length will leave him out-leveraged, especially on the edge,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote in April 2022.
“Muse is up and down as a blocker and needs to cut down on the drops, but he is a ‘make it’ competitor with enough athleticism to compete for a backup role in the NFL.”
Rams Add Another TE to Crowded Room
GettyTerrance Ferguson #18 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before facing the Houston Texans.
Muse’s addition is noteworthy if for no other reason than the Rams already have four tight ends on their active roster.
The Rams have veteran starter and 2021 Super Bowl champion Tyler Higbee, top backup Colby Parkinson, reserve Davis Allen, and emerging rookie second-round draft pick Terrance Ferguson, their top pick in 2025.
The Rams signed long snapper Jake McQuaide to their 53-man roster on Monday.
Muse takes the two-time Pro Bowler’s spot on the Rams’ practice squad, which is now full with 16 players.
Muse’s versatility could see him carve out a role later in the season. However, that is likely only if one of the Rams’ incumbent tight ends fails to produce as expected. The Rams could also be planning on leaning into a recent trend.
Rams Using More TEs on Offense
GettyTyler Higbee #89 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on before facing the Indianapolis Colts.
The Rams have leaned into 13 personnel – one running back, three tight ends, and one wide receiver – with great success in recent weeks. That is partly due to injuries. Still, they took it to a new level for them in Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers.
“The Rams deployed 13 personnel on 30 of 67 offensive plays (44.8%), the 2nd-highest rate in a game since 2016, and their 3rd-straight game over 38%,” Next Gen Stats posted on X on November 9. “They averaged 6.7 yards per play, 63.3% success & 20% explosive play rate out of 13 (all three-game highs).”
Muse’s addition provides additional depth since the Rams have utilized their current options more often, increasing their risk of injury.
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