The Rams are still searching for answers on special teams, and Tuesday brought another roster shakeup in that effort.
Los Angeles released wide receiver and kickoff/punt returner Alex Bachman as the team heads into Week 9, continuing a stretch of changes aimed at fixing a unit that has not met expectations. Bachman had taken over after the Rams moved on from Xavier Smith in the same role earlier this season, but his production never gave the team much of a lift.
Bachman handled punts cleanly, but the return game never really came alive. He averaged 5.2 yards per punt return, which ranked 31st among players with at least five punt returns this season. On kickoffs, he averaged 22.9 yards per return, putting him 62nd out of 75 qualifying returners.
The Rams have been trying to push the standard higher than simply securing the ball and ending the play. That urgency showed up again Sunday against the Chargers, when Los Angeles lost 3.6 in special teams EPA despite not allowing a long return. Bachman also finished a punt return for zero yards on a play where there appeared to be room to get upfield.
The team’s options at returner are now less clear. Jordan Whittington was the only other listed kick returner behind Bachman, and running back Dean Connors was just placed on injured reserve.
At punt returner, Konata Mumpfield was listed as the backup to Bachman. Even so, it would not be a surprise if the Rams added another returner this week.
That search has already led to other moves. Last week, the Rams signed Joshua Karty to help on kickoffs and added Jon Rhattigan, a special teams player, as part of the ongoing overhaul. Even with those additions, the Rams still lost 3.6 in special teams EPA last week without giving up a long return or missing any field goals.
Bachman’s release came with a few more roster adjustments. The Rams signed cornerback Cam Lampkin from the practice squad to the active roster.
After releasing Nyzier Fourqurean last week, they brought him back to the practice squad. The team also released linebacker Garrett Nelson from the practice squad.
Head coach Sean McVay has made it clear the Rams are not satisfied with where things stand on special teams. This latest move is another sign the team is still trying to raise the bar.
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