The Rams' Week 13 clash with the Carolina Panthers just got a bit more layered-not just because of the playoff implications, but due to a curious wrinkle in their roster decisions. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed that wide receiver Tutu Atwell’s status for Sunday remains up in the air, despite being designated to return from injury earlier in the week.
Meanwhile, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon has been activated from injured reserve after a lengthy absence due to a broken scapula. But Atwell?
Still waiting. McVay pointed to a variety of factors shaping that decision-game day roster limits, special teams considerations, and the overall 48-man puzzle that coaches juggle every week.
That’s not unusual, but it’s worth noting McVay had previously sounded optimistic about Atwell’s return.
A Big Contract, Small Results
Atwell, now 26, signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Rams after his rookie contract expired earlier in 2024. And while the front office clearly saw something worth investing in, the on-field production hasn’t exactly backed up the price tag.
Through six games this season, Atwell has just four receptions on nine targets for 164 yards and one touchdown. That lone score?
An eye-popping 88-yard play against Indianapolis-the longest touchdown in the NFL this season. But outside of that highlight, it’s been a quiet campaign.
Let’s break it down:
- Catch rate: 44.4% - well below the league average of around 65%
- Yards per route run: 1.43 - not close to top-tier receivers like Xavier Smith (2.23)
- Target share: Never higher than 8.7% in any game this season
Despite logging 115 routes over six games, Atwell’s target-per-route rate sits at just 7.8%. That’s a telling stat.
It suggests that while he’s on the field, he’s not a focal point in the passing game. His value hinges almost entirely on the occasional deep shot, not consistent involvement.
Boom-or-Bust in a Crowded Room
When you stack Atwell up against other Rams receivers like Jordan Whittington, Terrance Ferguson, and Xavier Smith, the contrast is sharp. Whittington and Smith have carved out roles as dependable, high-usage options.
Atwell and Ferguson? They're more in the boom-or-bust category.
Atwell’s 44.4% catch rate is the second-lowest among Rams wideouts, and his 7.8% target efficiency ranks dead last. Even more telling: 75% of his catches have been explosive plays. That’s exciting in spurts, but it also means he’s not someone the offense can lean on for steady production.
What It Means Moving Forward
The Rams made a bold bet when they gave Atwell $10 million for this season. So far, that investment hasn’t translated into reliable output. Between the low target volume, inefficient usage, and now uncertainty about whether he’ll even be active in Week 13, it’s fair to say the return on that deal is still very much in question.
As the Rams gear up for a critical December stretch, McVay and his staff have some tough calls to make. If Atwell can’t crack the game day roster, it’s not just a personnel decision-it’s a signal that the team’s faith in his role may be fading.