Alaric Jackson returns next Monday in full capacity, stabilizing the Rams' offensive line as Rivers, Schrader, and Xavier Smith push depth across WR and RB rooms. LaFleur highlighted the value of these players, with four NFL-caliber tight ends in the mix and Xavier Smith stepping up as a versatile playmaker. The Rams aim to assemble the pieces and execute football the right way, building a multi-formation attack led by a hungry coaching staff.

X Xavier Thomas shined in the Cardinals' preseason, flashing edge presence and deployability as Nick Rallis pushes for more intensity. Behind Sweat and Burch, he could carve a rotational role even if he isn’t a lock for the 53-man roster yet.

His 2024 line was 2.5 sacks and 10 tackles; this year he matched that efficiency in three 2025 exhibitions with six tackles and two sacks. If he locks in, he could become a valuable IDP depth piece in deeper fantasy leagues.

Arizona's 53-man scramble after a 20-10 win over Las Vegas centers on three Cardinals on the roster bubble: Michael Carter, P.J. Mustipher and Xavier Thomas. Carter brings burst and pass-game potential, but depth and special-teams trade-offs loom behind Conner, Benson and Demercado. Mustipher is a solid depth piece on a deep defensive line, yet theDL crowd—Campbell, Tomlinson, Robinson, Stills, Jones and Jones—could squeeze him unless an injury shake-out clears space. Thomas faces a tight outside linebacking group, with Ojulari’s PUP status as a wild card that could tilt the odds.

Ojulari’s return off PUP would narrow the path for Thomas; if he remains sidelined, Thomas could survive on the roster’s edge. The tale also touches on Walter Nolen’s potential return, which could further complicate keeps. In short, talent clashes with roster realities as the Cards trim to 53 by Tuesday afternoon, with young depth and special-teams value pivotal.