The Los Angeles Rams enter a pivotal weekend with 10 roster-bubble players eyeing one last chance to secure a spot ahead of the Tuesday cut to 53. In Cleveland, the competition spans every unit from backfield to cornerback, with the final preseason game shaping depth and special-teams roles. Cody Schrader’s late push at running back sits alongside Ronnie Rivers’ precarious outlook as he recovers; Britain Covey battles for punt return duties and a meaningful offensive role behind Xavier Smith, while up-front KT Leveston and Justin Dedich anchor an OL group that remains unsettled. The defense features Desjuan Johnson and Desjuan Johnson’s surge at DT, and Shaun Dolac could overtake a vet for a fifth linebacker spot. Derion Kendrick and A.J. Green are in a crowded cornerback room, each needing strong tape to secure a depth role. Willie Lampkin’s versatility also warrants attention as he recovers from an injury, with Brennan Jackson and Nick Hampton in the mix for edge duties. The Browns test will reveal who truly earned a spot on the final 53, and which players can contribute beyond Week 1 as fantasy values and depth pieces.

Rams opened the preseason against the Cowboys with a broad depth outlook. Stetson Bennett played all but six snaps, anchoring the offense as the Rams rotated nine offensive linemen early. Blake Corum led the backfield with 22 snaps, Jarquez Hunter added 27, and Ronnie Rivers exited after three. Konata Mumpfield topped the receivers while Drake Stoops and Britain Covey also drew long looks. Davis Allen started at tight end but only logged 12 snaps, with Anthony Torres and Mark Redman handling the rest.

On defense, Los Angeles deployed a wide rotation. Keir Thomas started at edge but only logged six snaps; Nick Hampton played 27 and Desjuan Johnson highlighted the DL rotation. In the secondary, Shaun Jolly, AJ Green and Derion Kendrick led the corners, with Josh Wallace moving to safety and delivering a solid game. Nate Valcarcel stood out among safeties. The takeaway is a thorough depth evaluation across WR, RB and edge, signaling a competitive roster race into the next preseason game.

The Los Angeles Rams have made significant adjustments to their roster during the offseason, highlighted by the signings of offensive tackles D.J. Humphries and David Quessenberry. Humphries, with a cap hit of $2.36 million in 2025, is the most notable addition, while Quessenberry's contract is valued at $1.33 million and is nearly fully guaranteed. Additionally, cornerback Derion Kendrick was released and then re-signed for a reduced cap hit of $1.03 million, a strategic move aimed at maximizing salary cap flexibility.

Following these transactions, the Rams currently hold $20.22 million in cap space, ranking 18th in the NFL. This financial position provides ample opportunity for the Rams to pursue further free agent signings or trades as the season progresses. The restructuring of Kendrick's contract reflects their intent to streamline expenditures while maintaining a competitive roster for the upcoming season.

Derion Kendrick's recent re-signing with the Los Angeles Rams marks a critical moment in his career, following a brief waiver that saved the team over $3 million in cap space. The Rams made the decision to cut Kendrick before minicamp, only to quickly welcome him back. This financial maneuver by head coach Sean McVay indicates a strategic approach to budget management while retaining a player who has shown promise in his early years.

The move reflects the Rams' willingness to adapt their roster and the value they place on Kendrick's skills in their secondary. Given the team's challenges in the defensive backfield, Kendrick's return could provide stability and enhance the overall performance of the defense this season.

The Los Angeles Rams have made a strategic move in their roster management by re-signing cornerback Derion Kendrick just days after initially releasing him. This decision came after cutting Kendrick, which saved the team $3.4 million in cap space. Head Coach Sean McVay clarified that the re-signing was primarily a financial maneuver, reflecting a careful approach to managing team resources while maintaining vital depth in the cornerback position, which remains a concern for the team's defensive unit.

McVay emphasized the importance of flexibility within the cap and how it allows them to make quick adjustments. The re-signing is seen as a way to ensure that Kendrick's familiarity with the team and defense remains intact, especially given the precarious state of their cornerback depth chart.