Today marks an important day in the Los Angeles Rams' preparation for the upcoming season. It's their first joint practice of the summer, hosting the Dallas Cowboys at their facility in Woodland Hills. Talent isn't lacking for either of these teams, from Matthew Stafford and Dak Prescott to Puka Nacua and CeeDee Lamb.
And as important as this practice is for the team's top players, it's also crucial for other guys fighting for key roles on either side of the ball. After already laying out the matchups to watch, here are four specific Rams players to keep an eye on during the joint practice.
WR Konata Mumpfield
Mumpfield is competing with Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith and CJ Daniels for the No. 3 receiver role, and it sounds like he's had a good summer up to this
point. He'll need to keep that going today against the Cowboys, whether he's working with the starters or the second-team offense.
Mumpfield has the skill set to be a quality outside receiver and a more polished player than the versatile Whittington and Smith, but he needs to show better physicality at the catch point.
CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
Forbes appears locked in as the first cornerback off the bench behind Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, which is an important position, especially given the frequency with which the Rams run dime packages. Injuries also occur, so Forbes could be called into action at some point during the season.
The Cowboys' receiving corps is excellent, giving Forbes a new challenge in practice today. If he steps up, he'll further widen the gap between himself and Cam Lampkin.
OLB Josaiah Stewart
Everyone will be talking about the tandem of Myles Garrett and Byron Young, but Stewart is not someone to overlook. The second-year edge rusher has been excellent this offseason after flying under the radar as a rookie last year.
His power and speed off the edge make him a valuable defender for the Rams, especially knowing Young and Garrett can't physically play every single snap. They'll need breathers here and there, which will give Stewart a chance to showcase his skills.
RT Warren McClendon Jr.
McClendon has spent the last few weeks blocking Garrett and the Rams' other outside linebackers, but he'll get a new look today against Dallas. Though the Cowboys' edge rushers aren't on par with the Rams' stars, it's always good to see how a tackle holds up against opposing pass rushers.
McClendon is a crucial player for the Rams this year following Rob Havenstein's retirement, and with his contract set to expire, a strong season will put him in line for a huge payday next spring.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 4 Rams players to watch in today's joint practice with Cowboys
