Rams practice squad adds 17 players, preserves depth
The Rams practice squad now includes 17 players, a group that mixes continuity from 2025 with several developmental prospects and an international punter added via the Pathway program.
I break down what the group means for short-term roster depth and elevation options, and I cite the original roster list from Turf Show Times for the official names.
Key Takeaways
- The Rams used the International Player Pathway extra roster spot to add a punter, increasing special-teams flexibility without reducing standard practice-squad slots.
- Six players who were on the Rams’ 2025 practice squad returned after signing Reserve/Future contracts, preserving schematic continuity and familiarity.
- The group balances veteran depth and developmental prospects, creating immediate elevation options while keeping the 53-man roster stable.
Rams practice squad depth and notable names
The 17-player practice squad mixes experienced hands with younger players who narrowly missed the active roster and earned another opportunity to develop within the system.
Notable inclusions are running back Dean Connors, rookie defensive lineman Tim Keenan III, and international punter Jack Bouwmeester, each listed on the official roster compilation.
Veterans such as Larrell Murchison and Alex Bachman provide organizational familiarity while several younger linemen, defensive backs and skill-position prospects maintain the developmental pipeline.
Practice squad roles and short-term roster mechanics
The practice squad serves as emergency depth, a source of game-day elevations, and a low-cost incubator for future active-roster moves.
Players returning on Reserve/Future deals reduce onboarding friction and are therefore more immediately available as situational elevations during the season.
The Pathway-program punter occupies the extra international slot, which expands immediate special-teams options on short notice.
Positional breakdown and short-term value
Running back depth is enhanced by Dean Connors remaining in the building as a situational option if injuries occur.
Defensive-line prospects including Tim Keenan III and Larrell Murchison provide rotational pieces the staff can promote to address edge or interior needs.
Return specialists and defensive backs who spent time in Los Angeles in 2025—Tanner Ingle, Cam Lampkin, Elias Neal, Bill Norton, Brennan Presley and Jordan Waters—preserve special-teams schematics and positional versatility.
Roster construction and elevation strategy
Maintaining a 17-player practice squad allows the Rams to manage short-term injury risk while keeping the active roster cap-friendly and stable.
The composition emphasizes players who can be elevated for specific game roles without requiring long-term active-roster commitments, preserving weekly roster flexibility.
Reserve/Future deals for returning players reduce onboarding time and increase the likelihood those players are available for early-season situational elevations.
Practice-squad continuity and additions
| Category | Players | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Returning practice-squad players | Tanner Ingle; Cam Lampkin; Elias Neal; Bill Norton; Brennan Presley; Jordan Waters | All six spent time on the Rams’ 2025 practice squad and signed Reserve/Future contracts, preserving schematic continuity |
| New or developmental additions | Dean Connors; Tim Keenan III; Jack Bouwmeester; Alex Bachman; Larrell Murchison | Mix of preseason standouts, a rookie retained after final cuts, veteran familiarity and an international punter in the Pathway slot |
Roster construction implications for SEC prospects
NFL practice squads function as development platforms that can absorb recent college departures, including prospects from Power Five conferences such as the SEC.
The existence of a sizeable, continuity-focused practice squad improves the odds that college players with positional polish will find short-term NFL opportunities while they continue to develop.]
