The Los Angeles Rams opted not to put Justin Lawler on injured reserve when final cuts were made, and for good reason. They did place him on IR Monday, but because he made the 53-man roster at first, he’s eligible to return after eight weeks.
Had he been put on the injured reserve list Saturday, he would’ve been ruled out for the season – the same way Micah Kiser is.
To take Lawler’s place on the 53-man roster, the Rams signed former Cardinals center Coleman Shelton.
Shelton spent the preseason with Arizona, playing three of their four exhibition games. He started the preseason finale and played 43 snaps (80 percent) at center.
He played his college football at Washington, starting 47 games in four seasons. He played multiple positions, beginning at right tackle in 2014 before moving to left tackle and guard the following season. In 2016, he found a home at center and started 27 games there in his final two seasons.
Shelton was named first-team All-Pac-12 in 2017 and second-team All-Pac-12 in 2016, so he did enter the NFL with some college accolades to his name. He went undrafted in 2018 and first landed with the 49ers as a free agent.
With Shelton joining the 53-man roster, the Rams now have nine offensive linemen available. Shelton is likely to be the primary backup at center behind Brian Allen with Aaron Neary out indefinitely.
