The Los Angeles Rams delivered an encouraging update to begin their preparations in Week 15, ahead of their home showdown against the Detroit Lions, specifically regarding veteran wide receiver Tutu Atwell.
Atwell has missed multiple games with a hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve.
However, he has been healthy for weeks, and the Rams have opted not to activate him back to their roster. That is about to change.
Sean McVay Makes Final Call on Tutu Atwell
GettyTutu Atwell #5 of the Los Angeles Rams hauls in a touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts.
Atwell, 26, was the No. 57 overall pick by the Rams in the 2021 draft. He suffered his hamstring injury in Week 7 during the Rams’ win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Atwell has been on IR since their bye in Week 8.
“Yeah, he’ll be up,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said when asked directly during his media availability on December 10.
McVay previously said it was “one of those deals” regarding the Rams activating Atwell.
“I love Tutu. Love everything he’s about. Would like to be able to figure out a way to get him going and get him involved, and if that fits for the collective, relative to the 48[-man game-day roster]. And there’s a lot of factors in that. And once we get going on the game plan, want to try to be able to figure out how to do that. But have to be able to have some other things that are in alignment before I can give you a clear-cut answer on it,” McVay told reporters on December 1.
“He’s done everything he can control. What’s unfortunate is you get a hamstring, and you’re out for an extended period of time. And then, certain roles and rhythms are established, relative to special teams and how Chase [Blackburn] and Ben [Kotwica] are fielding certain groups, where you’re pulling from both offense and defense.”
The Rams had until Week 16 to make their final call on Atwell. He has four receptions for 164 yards and 1 touchdown this season. There are arguments for giving him even more attention in the Rams’ offensive game plan.
Tutu Atwell Mentoring Injury Replacement
GettyTutu Atwell #5 of the Los Angeles Rams walks off the field after catching the pass to beat the Indianapolis Colts.
In Atwell’s absence, the Rams have leaned on third-year former undrafted free agent Xavier Smith (11-173-0). Smith spoke candidly about the role Atwell has played in his career, saying that the veteran was quick to help bring him along.
Moreover, Smith said that he tries to emulate Atwell while he awaits his moment to shine for the Rams.
He also spoke about what the Rams miss when Atwell is not on the field.
“Just being that deep threat, being that speed player. But also the guy behind the scenes who’s lifting everybody up, making sure everybody is on, is playing at their high level, but bringing that energy, bringing that fun atmosphere. So, a guy like that is irreplaceable, man,” Smith told reporters on December 2.
“He’s behind the scenes right now, since he hasn’t been on the field. But you could just see. You could see the love, the passion that we all playing with, and having a guy like that in the room makes it a lot easier.”
Atwell’s return could be a bigger boost for the Rams than his numbers would otherwise indicate because of how he impacts his teammates.
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