Dean Connors' improbable run with the Los Angeles Rams may be over for now. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported the Rams are waiving the 2026 undrafted rookie running back ahead of the regular season after he turned heads throughout the preseason. Los Angeles will reportedly try to bring him back on the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Connors finished the preseason with 26 carries for 96 yards on the ground, adding seven catches for 53 yards and three receiving touchdowns through the air. Two of those scores came in the preseason opener against the Chiefs, when rookie quarterback Ty Simpson found him for a nine-yard and a two-yard touchdown in his own impressive debut. Connors added a third receiving score later in the preseason, cementing
himself as one of the more productive skill players in Rams camp.
That production ultimately wasn't enough to crack the Rams' backfield, though, behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. There was a thought that Connors could make the roster after the Rams traded away 2025 fourth-rounder Jarquez Hunter, but it looks as though head coach Sean McVay had settled on Ronnie Rivers as the RB3.
If Connors goes to the practice squad, the possibility he rejoins the Rams during the regular season remains open as a potential special teams player or backfield depth piece if any of the aforementioned trio miss time.
For now, Connors will hit waivers and have the chance to sign with another team first.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams waiving undrafted rookie RB who shined in preseason
