The Los Angeles Rams opened Week 3 of the preseason on Monday with a flurry of roster moves, and one of the toughest developments involved Keir Thomas II.
Thomas was placed on Injured Reserve after leaving Saturday’s preseason game against the Saints with a groin issue and not returning. The Rams also waived recently signed linebacker Daniel Rickert with an injury designation, added cornerback Steven Gilmore - the younger brother of All-Pro Stephon Gilmore - and signed outside linebacker Devean Deal. Veteran cornerback Zech McPhearson was moved to Injured Reserve as well.
For Thomas, the move carries real weight. He was never expected to crack the 53-man roster, since the Rams’ edge-rusher group is already crowded. But getting sent to IR for a second straight season makes the situation look even more precarious, and it could mean his four-year run with the team is nearing its end.
Thomas, who entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie in 2022, has not gotten a look from another team. He had been available on the practice squad for much of that time, but now even that path may be slipping away. If the Rams eventually waive him once he’s healthy, another practice-squad opportunity could still be possible - though nothing is guaranteed.
At 28, Thomas has logged three healthy years in the Rams’ organization and has played 351 career snaps on defense and special teams. In 17 games, he has 13 tackles and three tackles for loss.
His best shot at sticking had always been simple: stay on the field. He had shown enough promise to keep hanging around, including last preseason before an undisclosed injury cut that momentum short. This latest setback, though, puts his future in Los Angeles in serious doubt.
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