The Los Angeles Rams have the number one scoring defense in the NFL and now they’re getting even closer to full strength with cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon expected to return to the field in Week 13 against the Carolina Panthers. Activating Witherspoon was part of a series of moves for the Rams on Wednesday, which also included activating Tutu Atwell, who is also expected to play against the Panthers, and claiming cornerback Derion Kendrick off of waivers after he was let go by the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday.
That’s not all, as the Rams also signed tight end Nick Vannett to the 53-man roster and placed cornerback Roger McCreary on injured reserve.
Witherspoon returns to the Rams for the first time since Week 2. Considered to be L.A.’s best cornerback going into the season, the loss of Witherspoon that early seemed like it could be devastating for the secondary but now Emmanuel Forbes has stepped up as one of the top all-around corners in the league this season. Now the Rams will have a more complete secondary with Witherspoon joining Forbes, Darious Williams, Cobie Durant, Kamren Kinchens, and Kam Curl.
The trade for McCreary was thought to be a temporary solution for the depleted room, but he only ended up playing one snap on defense. That’s 120 fewer snaps than Josh Wallace. Now when will the team get back Quentin Lake?
Tight end is another interesting situation as the Rams once again turned a corner with Tyler Higbee going on IR. The 13 personnel formation was all but erased in Week 12’s win over the Bucs but now the team adds the veteran Vannett to the roster. Vannett was drafted by the Seahawks in 2016 and has since been all over the league, including the Steelers, Broncos, Saints, Giants, Chargers, Titans, and Vikings.
Vannett had 0 catches in four games with Minnesota earlier this season.
As for Tutu Atwell, it’s anyone’s guess if McVay will actually use him this time. The Rams are on a roll offensively — Matthew Stafford seems infallible since Atwell went on IR — and he had just four catches in six games. That’s as many as Konata Mumpfield has, but in any case Atwell will be available against the Panthers.
Finally, Kendrick is back. The 2022 sixth round pick was waived by the Rams, picked up the by the Seahawks, played 10 games in Seattle, and was waived again and signed by the Rams again. Kendrick had two picks with the Seahawks but couldn’t establish himself as a reliable player in the secondary. Seattle coach Mike Macdonald said that the team wanted to get Kendrick on the practice squad but now he’s heading back to L.A. instead.
To recap:
Kendrick, Witherspoon, Tutu, and Vannett are in. McCreary is on IR.
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