A week from today, all 32 NFL teams will have to trim their rosters from the 90 maximum to the 53 man regular season limit. The Los Angeles Rams have one of the most competitive rosters from top to bottom and making this year’s team is one of the most difficult challenges for rookie and young players. But there could be a few names to watch in this final week as the team has one preseason game left to play against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, August 27th. Who is on the bubble for this past
week? Here’s my latest 53 man roster projection for the 2026 season; including the “Last four in, Last four out”.
Quarterbacks (3)
Matthew Stafford, Stetson Bennett, Ty Simpson
Some people were questioning if Bennett could get cut. I just can’t see that happening. The Rams would trade Bennett for some Day 3 draft capital before outright cutting Bennett.
Changes: N/A
Running Backs (3)
Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Jarquez Hunter
I think the Rams need to consider cutting Ronnie Rivers. Here’s why. He is 27 years old and I find it highly unlikely that a team would use a waiver claim to snatch a player that has 72 career rushing attempts for just 295 yards and 0 touchdowns. The Rams should roll the dice, cut Rivers, and then resign him to the practice squad. They can then elevate him from the practice squad on gameday.
Changes: Ronnie Rivers (Out)
Wide Receivers (6)
Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, CJ Daniels, Jordan Whittingon, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith^
Xavier Smith received a vote of confidence from Sean McVay after the week one preseason game. Perhaps the Rams give Smith a shot at redemption after his fumble in the 2025 NFC Championship Game.
Changes: Xavier Smith (In)
Tight Ends (5)
Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, Davis Allen, Max Klare
I will repeat again: 3 personnel is here to stay.
Changes: N/A
Offensive Line (9)
Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Warren McClendon, David Quessenberry, Justin Diedich*, Beaux Limmer, Keagen Trost, Austin Blaske^
Some changes here. Justin Dedich is still nursing a hand incident from July. He is still wearing a cast but progressing in his recovery. Right now he is on the NFI which means he does not count against the 53 man roster. That allows for the Rams to keep Austin Blaske who has shown well in two preseason games.
Changes: Austin Blaske (In), Justin Dedich (NFI)
Defensive Line (6)
Aaron Donald*, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, Ty Hamilton, Tyler Davis
“Believe and it will happen.” – Sean McVay (2021 SB speech). Aaron Donald will return and therefore I am making space on my 53 man roster for him.
Changes: N/A
Edge Rusher (5)
Myles Garrett, Byron Young, Josiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson, Wesley Bailey^
Maybe the Rams decide to just keep four edge rushers but Wesley Bailey is highly likely to get claimed if the Rams cut him. Why not stash him on the roster especially since Byron Young is in the final year of his rookie contract.
Changes: Wesley Bailey (In)
Linebackers (4)
Nate Landman, Omar Speights, Shaun Dolac, Grant Stuard
I would be shocked if the Rams carried a fifth linebacker beyond Dolac and Stuard.
Changes: N/A
Cornerbacks (6)
Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Quentin Lake, Emmanuel Forbes, Josh Wallace, Cam Lampkin
The final roster spot might come down to Cam Lampkin and safety Alex Cook. With Quentin Lake’s versatility as a safety, I think the Rams should stick with Lampkin as the final defensive back on the roster. Lampkin can then be a replacement if Forbes struggles.
Changes: N/A
Safeties (3)
Kam Curl, Kam Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough
See the comment above.
Changes: Alex Cook (Out)
Special Teams (3)
Harrison Mevis, Ethan Evans, Joe Cardona
No changes with special teams is good news.
Changes: N/A
Last four in: Xavier Smith, Wesley Bailey, Cam Lampkin, Austin Blaske
Last four out: Alex Cook, Ronnie Rivers, Brennan Presley, AJ Arcuri
There you have it. 16 more days to go!
