Alex Bachman shines in Rams preseason and shifts receiver race
Alex Bachman’s return to the field during the Rams’ 34-0 preseason win mattered because it created a roster conversation at a time when roster spots and return duties are being decided.
Local reporting from Turf Show Times framed the night as an opportunity for depth players to stake claims, and Bachman’s four-of-four mark on targets made his case in front of coaches and evaluators.
Key Takeaways
- Alex Bachman caught four passes for 48 yards and returned a punt for four yards in the Rams’ 34-0 preseason win.
- C.J. Daniels finished with 13 targets and 68 receiving yards and absorbed the largest target share in the game.
- Several projected starters did not play, including Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, and Konata Mumpfield, which reshaped opportunities for reserves.
- Local projections favor keeping six receivers on the 53-man roster and treating several fringe veterans and younger players as practice-squad candidates.
Why Alex Bachman stood out in game action
Bachman’s stat line was efficient: four targets, four catches and 48 receiving yards, with clean catches on routine and contested throws that showed reliable hands.
That efficiency mattered because it demonstrated a dependable catch rate on limited reps, and his brief role in the return game added a special-teams element to his evaluation.
How the absence of top receivers reshaped the look
The decision to rest established starters altered the game plan and widened opportunities for reserves to absorb targets and show timing with the quarterbacks who played.
With Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield not suiting up, preseason production from backups should be viewed in context as work against substitute defenders rather than definitive indicators of regular-season roles.
Preseason receiver comparison table
| Player | Targets | Receptions | Yards | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Bachman | 4 | 4 | 48 | Four-of-four when targeted; added a four-yard punt return |
| C.J. Daniels | 13 | 8 | 68 | Led team target volume in the game |
| Max Klare | 6 | 4 | 12 | Recorded a drop and produced limited yardage on short targets |
| Brennan Presley | N/A | 3 | 30 | Produced multiple catches and intermediate gains |
Roster construction and practice-squad implications
Projecting the final 53-man makeup, local projections favor keeping six receivers to preserve game-day versatility and special-teams coverage.
Under that framework, priority goes to players with defined roles or return value, while others such as Bachman profile as practice-squad candidates unless roster moves or injuries create an opening.
