The Los Angeles Rams are sitting pretty at 10-3, riding a wave of momentum few saw coming this season. But if you thought general manager Les Snead was kicking back and admiring his handiwork, think again.
The Rams’ front office isn’t in cruise control - it’s shifting gears. And this week’s roster shakeup might just be the first move in a bigger plan.
Let’s break down what actually happened.
The Rams made a pair of roster moves that, on the surface, might seem minor. But there’s more here than meets the eye.
First, they released outside linebacker Nick Hampton from the active roster. At the same time, tight end Nick Muse was let go from the practice squad.
Now, here's where it gets interesting.
Hampton logged 112 defensive snaps this season, tallying 10 tackles and a single quarterback pressure. Solid depth piece, but not irreplaceable.
Muse, meanwhile, didn’t see the field - he was a practice squad body. So why make these moves now?
Because it clears the runway for wide receiver Tutu Atwell to return from injured reserve.
Hampton’s release opens a spot on the 53-man roster, while Muse’s departure frees up a practice squad slot - potentially for Hampton, if he clears waivers. That’s classic roster maneuvering from Snead, and it signals that Atwell is on his way back into the offensive mix.
Now the question becomes: what kind of impact can Atwell make over the final four games?
Let’s be honest - 2025 hasn’t been kind to Atwell. He’s caught just four of nine targets for 164 yards and a touchdown.
That’s a steep drop from the steady progress he’d shown in previous seasons. And it’s not just about injuries - the Rams’ offense simply hasn’t looked his way.
But here’s the thing: when Atwell has been targeted, the results have been electric. In two games this season, he pulled in three of six targets for 160 yards and a score.
That’s not just efficient - that’s explosive. The chemistry with Matthew Stafford is there.
The question is whether the Rams will give him a chance to show it.
Atwell doesn’t need a dozen targets a game to make noise. He’s a big-play threat who can flip the field with just a handful of touches. If he sees six or more targets per game down the stretch, he’s got the speed and route-running to rack up 100-yard performances - especially with defenses keying on Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
And here’s the kicker: the Rams’ remaining opponents don’t boast top-tier pass defenses. That opens the door for Atwell to carve out a role and remind everyone why he was once viewed as a rising weapon in Sean McVay’s offense.
The Rams are headed for the playoffs, but they’re still fine-tuning the machine. If Atwell can find his rhythm, he could be a difference-maker in a postseason push that suddenly feels very real.
Don’t count him out just yet.