The Los Angeles Rams drew attention just hours after taking down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 12, but not for anything from the game. Instead, it was a decision the Rams made on reserve safety Tanner Ingle afterward.
Ingle is a former undrafted free agent who has played in one regular-season game during his two-plus-year career.
That was in Week 12 with the Rams against the Buccaneers.
Rams Announce Waiving S Tanner Ingle
Getty Tanner Ingle #34 of the Los Angeles Rams sacks Max Duggan #8 of the Los Angeles Chargers.
“LA Rams Roster Moves: Waived, No Recall S Tanner Ingle,” the team announced in a post on X on November 24.
Ingle did not record a stat in his 16 snaps against the Buccaneers on Sunday night, logging all but three of his reps on special teams. However, he lined up at free safety, nickelback, and played on both kickoff and punt coverage and return units, per Pro Football Focus.
He was just as versatile for the Rams during the preseason, when he first turned heads.
His return to the Rams’ roster just two days ago sparked joyful reactions from fans remembering his performance during the summer.
“All preseason, we thought: damn, it sure looks like Tanner Ingle can play at this level and make an impact,” Rams Bros. posted on X on November 22. “Glad to see his name on the active roster this week! Next man up mentality is real.”
The same happened when he took the field.
“Look at Tanner Ingle [holding back tears emoji],” one fan posted on X during the game.”So inspirational.”
The Rams expect wide receiver Tutu Atwell back from injured reserve, where he has been since Week 7 due to a hamstring issue. Waiving Ingle clears a roster spot for the Rams to activate Atwell from IR to the active roster.
Tanner Ingle a Perennial Preseason Darling
GettyTanner Ingle #34 of the Los Angeles Rams tackles Quentin Johnston #1 of the Los Angeles Chargers.
There was strong support for Ingle to make the Rams’ roster out of training camp. Ingle drew plenty of attention when he was on the field for the Rams. Sporting News’ Alec Sanner noted during the preseason that Ingle had been the Rams’ defensive “tone-setter” on the back end.
“He attacked downhill, finished through contact, and stacked clean, violent tackles that changed drives,” Sporting News’ Alex Sanner wrote in August. “He profiles as a third safety/big nickel who can be a core special-teams player on Day 1. That in combination with his role clarity and the team’s value usually gets rewarded.”
Ingle was not a one-hit wonder, either, drawing attention in 2024, too.
“Remember the name Tanner Ingle, former NCSU Safety,” MatchQuarters.com’s Cody Alexander posted on X in August 2024. “He pops on film, especially when fitting the run.”
The fact that Ingle was “waived, no recall” means that the Rams were not allowed to reverse their waiver, say for instance, if a team decided that it wanted to acquire the diminutive defensive back in a trade.
They did the same with long snapper Alex Ward after replacing him with Jake McQuaide.
Sean McVay & Les Snead Rave About Tanner Ingle
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on before a game against the Indianapolis Colts.
The most surprising part about the Rams’ decision to part ways with Ingle is that he also received rave reviews from the Rams.
Head coach Sean McVay called him the “Human Missile” during the Rams’ preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. Ingle logged his preseason high of 5 tackles in that game, a 19-17 Rams loss.
Rams general manager Les Snead was also in attendance for that road contest.
“Do this tonight: YouTube Tanner Ingle’s highlights at NC State, and he was truly playing on the line of scrimmage,” Snead told the booth during the broadcast of the game. “It was almost like he was a WILL linebacker at NC State. And boy, it’s just a fun YouTube. Tonight, go home and do it, and you will understand why he is doing what he’s doing on the field.”
Perhaps the Rams’ high praise of Ingle means he will find his way back to the practice squad after clearing waivers.
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