Rams 53-man roster set as undrafted Wesley Bailey

The Rams went into training camp with a roster jammed with stars and other notable gamers.

So for an undrafted participant to make the staff’s initial 53-man roster was among the most unlikely situations in the NFL.

And that was before future Hall of Fame defensive lineman Aaron Donald announced Sunday that he was ending a two-year retirement to rejoin a staff favored to win the Super Bowl.

But outdoors linebacker Wesley Bailey, an undrafted free agent who performed at Rutgers and Louisville, beat the percentages. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound Bailey impressed during preseason video games against the Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints before taking part in only a few snaps against the Chargers, an indication that coach Sean McVay was going to keep him.

The Rams waived or terminated the contracts of 34 gamers, including defensive lineman Tim Keenan III, a seventh-round draft decide. If they clear waivers, many are anticipated to be signed to the 16-player observe squad.

The Rams moved to get one thing for at least one participant they feared wouldn’t clear waivers, trading tight end Mark Redman to the Green Bay Packers for a 2028 seventh-round draft decide.

They also positioned offensive linemen Justin Dedich and Keagen Trost on injured reserve, along with quarterback Matthew Caldwell.

The Rams, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, the reigning NFL most worthwhile participant, open the season on Sept. 10 against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.

McVay has not said whether or not Stetson Bennett or rookie Ty Simpson will probably be Stafford’s backup.

Star receiver Puka Nacua and beginning left deal with Alaric Jackson are the themes of persevering with investigations by the NFL associated to separate off-the-field incidents. If the league determines that they violated the league’s personal-conduct coverage, they could possibly be suspended.

Barring change, the Rams will journey to Australia with a roster top-heavy with tight ends, receivers and outdoors linebackers and — because of gamers’ versatility — minimal numbers at cornerback.

McVay’s incorporation of three tight-end units into the offense last season paved the best way for the Rams to carry 5 tight ends: Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, Terrance Ferguson and rookie Max Klare. Ferguson’s ability set ostensibly makes him an option as a third receiver behind stars Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

The Rams’ commerce last week for veteran Tutu Atwell, in a deal that despatched working back Jarquez Hunter to the Miami Dolphins, provides them seven receivers.

Bailey is an element of an outdoors linebacker group that consists of Myles Garrett, Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart and Desjuan Johnson.

Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Josh Wallace are the cornerbacks. The Rams stored only 4 in half because security Quentin Lake performs as a hybrid slot nook/inside linebacker, and Wallace can play security.

Dedich and Trost must sit out 4 video games. The 9 offensive linemen on the roster are beginning heart Coleman Shelton, guards Kevin Dotson and Steve Avila and tackles Jackson and Warren McClendon Jr., along with reserves David Quessenberry, Beaux Limmer, Bill Murray and Dylan McMahon.