Week 2 of the preseason is here and the Los Angeles Rams are preparing to face the Dallas Cowboys in Hawaii on Saturday night. Most of the Rams’ starters did not make the trip and none of the top players will play in the game, giving rookies and younger players increased reps.
There’s still a lot to be sorted out on the roster and depth chart, which makes this an important game for many of the unproven guys. Building on last week will be key, particularly for many of the players below.
Here are eight Rams to watch against Dallas on Saturday night.
QB John Wolford
Wolford was the Rams’ best quarterback last week against the Raiders, finally getting the ball moving in the right direction after Brandon Allen failed to do so. He had some zip on his passes and he looked poised in the pocket, continuing solid play after leading the AAF in touchdown passes.
He has about as low of a chance to make the 53-man roster as any player, but that doesn’t mean he’s playing for nothing. The Rams would probably like to stash him on the practice squad if possible, while Wolford himself is trying to impress the other 31 teams – specifically those searching for a backup QB.
WR Mike Thomas
Sean McVay said Thomas has “really separated himself” in the wide receiver competition, so let’s see if that shows on Saturday. He’s always had the athleticism to succeed in the NFL, but he has to avoid injury and away from suspensions – two things that have plagued his career. Thomas should see more playing time this week after only getting 17 snaps against Oakland and it’ll be worth watching how he performs against some of Dallas’ starters.
If he stands out, he could lock up a roster spot as the fifth or sixth receiver on the depth chart. If he struggles and KhaDarel Hodge has another good performance, things will get that much more interesting.
S Taylor Rapp
Rapp as was one of the few bright spots for the Rams in their loss to the Raiders, making two tackles and a pass breakup. He only played 22 snaps and as the preseason progresses, one would think he’d get more playing time this week. It’s always fun to watch where Wade Phillips aligns him in the formation, be it at linebacker, in the slot, deep in coverage or in the box as a safety.
Rapp is a really exciting player and his talent should once again show through against the Cowboys. Hopefully he’ll get some reps against Dallas’ first-team offense.
CB David Long Jr.
Long was subpar in the preseason opener, allowing a long catch down the sideline after failing to get his head turned around to the ball. It was tight coverage, which was good to see, but there’s still room for improvement. The rookie from Michigan is sticky in man coverage and if the Cowboys’ starters play as they’re expected to, it’ll be a good test for Long.
The Rams’ depth at cornerback is suddenly great, so standing out is important for Long if he wants to earn playing time in the regular season. This preseason will be a big help when it comes to knocking off the rookie rust.
ILB Travin Howard
Howard got the start at inside linebacker next to Micah Kiser in the first preseason game, lining up at Cory Littleton’s spot. He’s risen the depth chart nicely and while it’s tough to say he’s ahead of Bryce Hager, he does look like the backup on the weak side. Howard’s range and athleticism is what makes him a good player, possessing the speed to get to the sideline and wrap up ball carriers.
Howard is still squarely on the roster bubble and must play well in these exhibition games, but he’s an intriguing player to watch.
OLB Josh Carraway
Carraway stood out as one of the Rams’ top pass rushers against the Raiders, recording a sack and winning some reps against Oakland’s offensive tackles. He has a golden opportunity to lock down a roster spot with Justin Lawler injured and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo struggling to stay on the field.
Keep an eye on how much Carraway plays on Saturday. If he’s out there for most of the game, it might not be a great sign. But if the Rams pull him after a quarter, it could mean the coaches have seen enough to feel good about him as a pass rusher.
RB Darrell Henderson Jr.
Henderson didn’t have the best preseason debut, rushing for 13 yards on six carries and making some mental mistakes. Incredibly, he had two 7-yard carries, but he went backwards on his other four. McVay said he wants to see more from Henderson and the rookie should get increased playing time, so perhaps we’ll see a big play or two from him this weekend.
He’s in no danger of being cut, of course, but he does have to play well in order to earn the trust of the coaches heading into the regular season. If not, his playing time could be limited early on.
OL Bobby Evans
Evans played all 59 snaps in the first preseason game, the only player to do so. The coaches don’t seem settled on where he (or any of the backup offensive linemen) will fit best as backups, with most of them playing multiple positions. Evans has to put together a better performance at tackle against Dallas because the preseason opener was shaky, at best.
Evans has the versatility to play tackle or guard, it’s just a matter of finding out what his best position is.
