WOODLAND HILLS — The Rams announced their initial 53-man roster Tuesday afternoon, just ahead of the NFL roster cut-down deadline.
Head coach Sean McVay said after Monday’s practice that he already knew who would occupy the 53 roster spots, and the team made it official Tuesday.
The biggest surprise occurred within the inside linebacker group, with fifth-round rookie Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr. not making the cut. Undrafted free-agent rookie Shaun Dolac and seven-year veteran Troy Reeder made the team, to go along with starters Nate Landman and Omar Speights.
McVay said after Tuesday’s practice that a big part of the decision came down to Dolac and Reeder’s ability to contribute on special teams.
“First of all, great dude, I really respect him as a man. Not an easy decision,” McVay said about Paul Jr. “But what we are tasked to do is be able to evaluate what we think when we went with four inside linebackers, what do we think are the four best inside linebackers and that’s not exclusive to playing inside linebacker – part of that is playing special teams. Shaun Dolac is a guy that’s going to be able to play on all four phases. Troy Reeder is going to play on all four phases.
“It’s not anything to take away from Pooh because I got respect, love and wish him nothing but the best. But those two guys made themselves really important and that’s why they’ll have a jersey on game day.”
A total of 25 players were waived, including two players waived with an injury designation – defensive back Shaun Jolly and offensive lineman Willie Lampkin IV.
The Rams also traded offensive lineman KT Leveston to the Cleveland Browns for a 2028 seventh-round pick.
Up to 16 players who aren’t claimed on waivers will be able to be signed to the practice squad.
When asked if waived running backs Ronnie Rivers and Cody Schrader were candidates to join the practice squad, McVay said, “Absolutely.”
Here is the position-by-position breakdown of the Rams’ initial 53-man roster of the season:
Quarterbacks (3)
Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo, Stetson Bennett IV
The Rams will carry more depth at the quarterback position this year, re-signing Garoppolo in the offseason and bringing back Bennett IV, who had a notable preseason.
Running backs (3)
Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Jarquez Hunter
Williams recently signed a three-year contract extension and is poised to lead the Rams’ backfield. Second-year back Corum and rookie Hunter fill out the room.
Wide receivers (6)
Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith, Konata Mumpfield
Led by Nacua and Adams, the group boasts experience plus a rookie in Mumpfield.
Tight ends (4)
Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, Terrance Ferguson
It’s been pretty clear from the onset of training camp that the Rams would carry four tight ends. Perhaps more 12 personnel is in order this season with the current roster construction.
Offensive line (10)
Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Rob Havenstein, D.J. Humphries, Warren McClendon Jr., Beaux Limmer, Justin Dedich, David Quessenberry
The Rams clearly went with veteran experience in this group. McVay said he expects Jackson, who has been dealing with blood clots, to return to full practice next week.
Defensive Line (7)
Poona Ford, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Tyler Davis, Larrell Murchison, Desjuan Johnson, Ty Hamilton
Ford was the big offseason acquisition on the defensive line, and he joins stalwarts Turner and Fiske.
Outside Linebackers (4)
Jared Verse, Byron Young, Nick Hampton, Josaiah Stewart
Verse, last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, leads the outside linebacking group, which includes Stewart, a rookie who is currently in concussion protocol.
Inside Linebackers (4)
Nate Landman, Omar Speights, Troy Reeder, Shaun Dolac
The surprise in this group is Paul Jr. not making the unit. Dolac, an undrafted free-agent rookie who has been one of the brightest spots in training camp, and seventh-year veteran Troy Reeder get the nod.
Cornerbacks (5)
Ahkello Witherspoon, Darious Williams, Cobie Durant, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Josh Wallace
The cornerback group stays intact from last season, returning all five players.
Safeties (4)
Kam Curl, Kam Kinchens, Quentin Lake, Jaylen McCollough
The Rams also return four safeties from last season, including Kinchens and McCollough, who led the team in 2024 with four interceptions each.
Specialists (3)
Ethan Evans, Alex Ward, Joshua Karty
All three specialists – Evans at punter, Ward at long snapper and Karty at kicker – return from last season.