Rams Tweak Roster Ahead of Playoffs, Eye Depth and Reinforcements for the Stretch Run
The Los Angeles Rams are heading to the playoffs - and they were the first NFC team to punch their ticket. Sitting at 11-4, they’ve already secured their postseason berth, even as playoff positioning continues to shuffle around them.
But here’s the twist: despite clinching early, LA currently holds the No. 6 seed. That’s more of a placeholder than a prediction - and with two very winnable games left on the schedule, the Rams are in prime position to climb.
Their final two regular-season matchups come against the 6-9 Atlanta Falcons and the 3-12 Arizona Cardinals - two teams whose playoff hopes are long gone. That’s not just a scheduling break; it’s a strategic opportunity. These games give the Rams a chance to rest key contributors, work injured players back into the lineup, and fine-tune their depth before the real battle begins in January.
And that’s exactly what GM Les Snead and the front office are doing.
Roster Moves: Clearing Space and Adding Reinforcements
This week, the Rams made a trio of roster moves that, on the surface, might not raise many eyebrows - but there’s more happening here than a simple shuffle. Here’s the breakdown:
- Waived DB Christopher Smith II (active roster)
- Released CB Alex Johnson (practice squad)
- Signed OL Royce Newman (practice squad)
- Designated CB Roger McCreary to return from injured reserve
The first two moves were about clearing the runway. The last two?
Those are the reinforcements. Let’s take a closer look at what Newman and McCreary bring to the table - and why their timing couldn’t be better.
Royce Newman: Veteran Depth Where It Matters Most
Let’s start with the offensive line. Royce Newman is not a headline-grabber, but in terms of playoff insurance, he’s a smart pickup.
Drafted in the fourth round by the Packers in 2021, Newman has logged 52 career games with 24 starts - including postseason action. That kind of experience matters, especially when you’re trying to protect your franchise quarterback in January.
At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, Newman brings size and strength to the interior. He’s not expected to step in and start immediately, but with Kevin Dotson nursing an injury, the Rams needed a dependable body to hold the line if called upon.
Newman has bounced around a bit - with stops in Tampa Bay, Arizona, New England, and Chicago - but he’s battle-tested. That’s what you want in a depth piece heading into the postseason: someone who’s seen live bullets and won’t flinch.
Roger McCreary: A Timely Return to a Secondary That Needs Juice
Then there’s Roger McCreary - a name that might’ve slipped from fans’ minds, but one that could play a key role in the weeks ahead.
McCreary came over from Tennessee with a reputation as a sticky cover corner who brings physicality to the slot. And while his time in LA has been limited - just one defensive snap and 37 special teams snaps before landing on IR - the Rams still believe in his upside. At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, he’s not the biggest DB in the room, but he plays with the kind of edge this secondary could use more of.
His return is well-timed. The Rams have been looking for more consistency in the slot, and McCreary gives them another option to evaluate.
He’s in the final year of his rookie deal, which adds a layer of urgency - this is his chance to show he belongs in the Rams’ future plans. If he can flash in these final two games, he could earn himself a longer stay in LA.
What’s more, his presence gives the coaching staff flexibility. If McCreary holds up, they can ease Quentin Lake back into the mix rather than rushing him.
If not, they’ll know Lake needs to be the guy. Either way, it’s a low-risk, high-reward situation for a team looking to firm up its rotation before the playoffs.
The Final Stretch: Rest, Reps, and Readiness
The Rams are in a unique position. With their playoff spot locked in and two lower-tier opponents on deck, they have the luxury of treating these games as both competitive matchups and dress rehearsals.
Do they push to improve seeding? Or prioritize health and evaluation?
That’s the balance Sean McVay and his staff will have to strike.
The Falcons, next up on the schedule, may be out of the playoff picture, but they’re still playing with pride - and they’re physical enough to test LA’s depth. It’s the kind of game that can reveal a lot about a team’s readiness.
Will the Rams roll out their starters and go for the win? Or will we see more of the backups - including players like McCreary - get meaningful reps in a lower-stakes environment?
One thing’s clear: the Rams are positioning themselves smartly. They’re not just coasting into the playoffs - they’re making sure they’ve got the right pieces in place when the real games begin.
And if these moves pay off, don’t be surprised if LA’s postseason run extends all the way to Super Bowl LX.