{
  "id": 2791038,
  "title": "Rams 53-man roster projection: Undrafted rookie OLB sneaks on",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/rams-53-man-roster-projection-undrafted-rookie-olb-sneaks-on",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-23T12:43:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rams-53-man-roster-projection-124335195.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Los Angeles Rams secured a dominant 34-0 victory over the New Orleans Saints in their second preseason game. Head coach Sean McVay gave a clearer picture of the 53-man roster that will be set next Sunday by benching more players than in the first game. Players who missed the first game, such as Desjuan Johnson, Ty Hamilton, and Xavier Smith, had their roster spots secured.\n\nFor the defense, the Rams kept their starting quarterback trio of Matthew Stafford, Stetson Bennett, and Ty Simpson. Quarterback Bennett played well in the first game, and it appears he will remain on the roster. Running backs Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers, and Jarquez Hunter delivered strong performances against the Saints. Hunter, in particular, rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown on only 12 carries, forcing several defenders to miss tackles. Running back Rivers was held out of the game, but he is expected to be safe. Wide receiver Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, and CJ Daniels all played well. Xavier Smith's absence from this game indicates that he will likely make the roster. Tight end Colby Parkinson may soon return from injury, allowing the Rams to have five healthy tight ends. Offensive line players Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Warren McClendon Jr., and David Quessenberry are all expected to remain on the roster. Defensive line players Kobie Turner, Poona Ford, Tyler Davis, Braden Fiske, and Tim Keenan III are also projected to stay. Outside linebacker Myles Garrett, Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson, and Wesley Bailey are on the roster, with Bailey sneaking onto the 53-man squad after his strong performances in the preseason, recording five tackles, four QB hits, a sack, and a forced fumble. Johnson's absence from the game reinforces his roster status. Inside linebacker Nate Landman, Omar Speights, Shaun Dolac, and Grant Stuard are unlikely to change throughout the week. Cornerback Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., and Josh Wallace are projected to remain on the roster. Safety Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, Kamren Kinchens, and Jaylen McCollough are set to be the four cornerbacks on the roster. The Rams' special teams unit is complete with Harrison Mevis, Ethan Evans, and Joe Cardona.",
  "summary": "In our latest roster projection for the Rams, Wesley Bailey sneaks onto the team after his standout performance against the Saints.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Rams vs. Saints live updates: Preseason Week 2 score, highlights",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/rams-vs-saints-live-updates-preseason-week-2-score-highlights",
        "published": "2026-08-22T19:39:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}