One of the quiet moves of the week was the Los Angeles Rams bringing back Ronnie Rivers. Rivers tested the free agent waters but found no greener grass on the other side.
We know Kyren Williams and Blake Corum are the starting one-two punch. The third spot behind them is up for grabs, and both players have relatively lengthy injury histories. It’s a reasonable possibility that carries and playing time are up for grabs behind the starting duo.
While Rivers is not guaranteed to make the roster upon his return, he’s spent the last four seasons in Los Angeles. He’s a known commodity and it’s telling that the Rams wanted to bring him back. Rivers also has flexibility as a kickoff returner, though he’s not particularly dynamic in this role and it’s easy to see the Rams finding a better full-time option as they renew their commitment to special teams.
More concerning is what the Rivers reunion means for second-year back Jarquez Hunter. LA traded away an additional sixth round pick in order to move up ten spots in the fourth round of last year’s draft and land Hunter. He’s someone the team was evidently eager to bring in, though he was a healthy scratch for nearly the entirety of last season.
Hunter was a workhorse back at Auburn, which usually suggests that transition curve to the pro game is not as steep compared to role-type players. However, Rivers was clearly ahead of Hunter on the depth chart a year ago and now it’s time to wonder whether Hunter will again be relegated to the back of the roster.
The good news for Hunter is that the 2026 NFL Draft class at running back is seemingly weak. The Rams could be looking over the horizon with this understanding and feel they are better suited to lock in their four-deep rather than risk being shorthanded after the draft.
We are months away from training camp. The battle for the third running back spot on the depth chart is already shaping up to be highly anticipated.
Let us know in the comments whether it’s time to hit the panic button in regards to Jarquez Hunter.
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