Earlier than this season, the Rams signed receiver Tutu Atwell to a one-year, $10-million contract.
It appeared as if coach Sean McVay was dedicated to completely incorporating the 2021 second-round draft decide right into a receiver corps that included Puka Nacua and new arrival Davante Adams, a three-time All-Professional.
However Atwell had solely 4 catches earlier than he suffered a hamstring harm that landed him on injured reserve in late October, and the Rams didn’t activate him for Sunday’s sport, a 31-28 defeat by the Carolina Panthers.
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Gary Klein breaks down what went improper for the Rams in a 31-28 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Xavier Smith, who additionally returns punts, stuffed the speedy receiver position and caught three passes for 82 yards, together with one for 51 yards.
McVay indicated after the sport that the choice to not activate Atwell was a roster administration difficulty influenced closely by personnel groupings and particular groups wants that have an effect on the 48-player game-day restrict.
On Monday, when requested if Atwell would play Sunday towards the Arizona Cardinals, McVay was noncommittal, pending the formulation of this week’s sport plan.
“I love Tutu. Love everything he’s about,” McVay stated throughout a videoconference with reporters. “Would like to be able to figure out a way to get him going and get him involved and if that fits for the collective relative to the 48, there’s a lot of factors in that.”
McVay stated Atwell has achieved “everything that he can control” however “certain roles and rhythms are established relative to special teams” and the personnel required from varied place teams.
“There’s a lot of layers to it, some of which he just has no control over and that’s the unfortunate thing,” McVay stated. “But we want to be able to figure out how to get him up.”
Rams huge receiver Tutu Atwell will get a high-five from coach Sean McVay throughout coaching camp in July.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Instances)
All through his profession, Atwell has persistently stated that he was completely happy to be affected person, cherished being a part of the Rams and can be prepared each time known as upon.
After an injury-marred rookie season, he caught 18 passes in 2022, 39 in 2023 and 42 in 2024.
This season, he scored a game-winning 88-yard landing towards the Indianapolis Colts. However he in any other case served primarily as a possible risk in an offense that has featured quarterback Matthew Stafford, Nacua, Adams, operating backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum and as many as three tight ends.
Smith, Jordan Whittington and rookie Konata Mumpfield, all of whom play of particular groups, have additionally been a part of the receiver rotation.
Atwell stated final week that he spent the time on injured reserve therapeutic, getting stronger and serving to teammates put together for video games.
“I feel great and ready to get back at it,” he stated.
Smith, who started his profession with the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2023, stated Atwell has been instrumental in serving to him develop. He stated Atwell welcomed him to the receivers room, and fashions a superb instance.
“So when it’s my turn,” Smith stated Monday, “I just want to kind of follow those same footsteps and do it just as good as he does.”
