The Rams are giving Dean Connors his first real crack at the active roster, and the timing makes sense. Los Angeles officially elevated the undrafted rookie from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos, a move that follows Ronnie Rivers landing on injured reserve.
Connors wasn’t the only one brought up. The Rams also elevated linebacker Elias Neal for a second straight week, keeping him in the mix after last week’s call-up.
Sean McVay made it clear this week that Connors had earned the nod. After Rivers went on IR, the coach said the team was weighing Connors and Jordan Waters, then confirmed Friday that Connors would be the choice before the move became official Saturday.
“He's done a good job. It's a [special] teams thing is really what it put over the top,” said McVay.
“As far as a third runner, you feel really good about both of those guys if that's what we were asked. They wouldn't play unless Blake or Kyren, something happened.
Those guys are going to get all the carries. But Dean or Jordan, I would have confidence in those guys, but we'll go with Dean in a flex-up situation.”
That special teams value is what kept Connors in the conversation. Signed after the draft as an undrafted free agent, he turned plenty of heads in the preseason with 26 carries for 96 yards, then added seven catches for 53 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver. Those three receiving scores were the most by a running back in the preseason since at least 2013.
Offense probably won’t be where Connors makes his mark on Sunday. McVay said the expectation is that he’ll help primarily on special teams, and that’s the role he filled in the preseason as well. He played 19 snaps there overall, including 13 in the opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.
There’s still work ahead for Connors, especially as a blocker, but the Rams clearly see enough to give him a chance. With Rivers out, he should have at least the next four weeks to show he can hold down a spot.
Neal is in a similar spot. His second straight elevation suggests the Rams may be getting close to a more permanent decision, especially since teams can only elevate a player from the practice squad three times in a season. After Sunday, Neal will already be at two through three weeks.
Last week, Neal played 12 special teams snaps, and that’s where he’s expected to contribute again. But he also gives the Rams another body at linebacker while Nate Landman works through a shoulder injury. Landman is expected to play against the Broncos, though he was limited in practice all week.
Special teams has been an issue for the Rams through two games, so both Connors and Neal will have a chance to help in that phase. They may not be asked to carry the offense or defense, but Sunday offers each of them a real opportunity to matter as Los Angeles tries to get to 2-1.
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