Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams changed their roster ahead of their âMonday Night Footballâ matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17, needing to get back in the win column at the risk of sliding further down the rungs in the NFC.
However, rather than add, the Rams subtracted from their group.
Both of the departing players are on the defensive side of the ball, and their exits could paint a telling picture about the Ramsâ remaining group at their position.
Rams Cut Alexander Johnson, Christopher Smith II
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay on the field after defeating the Seattle Seahawks.
The Rams announced they cut Christopher Smith II in a post on X on December 23, ending his roughly month-long stay with the organization. The Rams initially claimed Smith off waivers from the Las Vegas Raiders in November.
Smith, 25, was the No. 170 overall pick of the 2023 draft by the Raiders.
Smith appeared in four games with the Rams, logging all 65 of his snaps on special teams, per Pro Football Reference, but failing to record a stat. He has 10 total tackles in his career.
In addition to Smith, the Rams also cut Alex Johnson, a cornerback who began his career as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants and has also spent time with the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans.
Johnson, 25, is a UCLA product who has yet to appear in a regular-season game.
The moves leave the Rams with one opening on their 53-player roster and another on their 17-player practice squad.
The decisions are notable, given all of the shuffling the Rams have done in their secondary this season, with injuries to multiple starters forcing their hand. It could suggest the Ramsâ roster health is improving.
Rams Have Roster Options
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on against the Seattle Seahawks.
The last time the Rams decided to part with a pair of players was in Week 15, when they cut Nick Hampton and Nick Muse, the latter from the practice squad. That move paved the way for Tutu Atwell on the active roster from injured reserve.
Hampton returned as a member of the Ramsâ practice squad.
This time, there is far less clarity about who the Rams could be clearing the way for. They are hoping to get several players back from IR.
However, McVay ruled out two of the three top candidatesâright tackle Rob Havenstein and tight end Tyler Higbeeâon Monday, saying they need more time to get fully healthy and back up to speed.
The third, safety and nickelback Quentin Lake, is not expected back until the postseason.
There is far less certainty around Roger McCreary, who is also eligible to come off IR, at cornerback.
Sean McVay, Rams Face Potential Trap Game
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts against the Carolina Panthers.
McVay and the Ramsâ next test is a 6-9 Atlanta Falcons team that is already eliminated from postseason contention.
However, underestimating them could end up in the Ramsâ third disappointing loss in the last five weeks. They have already dropped one-score games against the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks.
The Falcons are 6-1 at home and have won their last two outings.
McVay said he was eager to see how the Rams responded following their loss to the Seahawks, and the Falcons offer a formidable test of their resolve.
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