As teams across the NFL are set to trim down their rosters to 53 players, the Rams are left with a bunch of difficult decisions to make. As always, there were some surprise standouts in this year’s training camp, and with clear needs, certain position groups will have to be a bit light entering this year.
One of those groups for the Los Angeles Rams should be running back. As much of a luxury it would be to have four running backs available to use, it is not a requirement and the reality is that unless there are specific special teams responsibilities attached to a player, the team should only keep three ball carriers.
Obviously, Kyren Williams and Blake Corum will be the team’s one-two punch. They will take a majority of the carries and Ronnie Rivers’ usage will be minimal at best.
Honestly, Rivers is there in case of injury or for periodic rotation. As unfair as it is to Zach Evans, he’s an unnecessary addition to a team looking to contend. Despite his two-touchdown performance against Houston, his 2024 season should start on the practice squad.
Last season, only five running backs took a carry for the Rams. Outside of Williams, none of them ran for over 320 yards on the year. In fact, the only reason there were even five ball carriers was due to midseason injuries to Williams and Rivers.
Keep things simple. Three running backs are more than enough to sustain a winning effort. Use the additional roster spot somewhere else.