The Los Angeles Rams wrapped up their second week of the preseason on Friday night, losing to the Houston Texans, 24-20. They had until Tuesday afternoon to trim their roster down to 80 players, but they wasted no time cutting five players to get down to the limit.
Shockingly, Kendall Blanton was among the five players waived by the Rams, which leaves Brycen Hopkins as the No. 2 tight end. Raymond Calais, Jairon McVea and A.J. Rose were also cut by the Rams.
J.J. Koski was waived with an injury designation, so if he’s not claimed by another team, he’ll revert to injured reserve.
LA Rams Transactions:
• Waived, No Recall TE Kendall Blanton, RB Raymond Calais, DB Jairon McVea, RB A.J. Rose
• Waived/Injured, Prior to Cut to 53 WR J.J. Koski— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 20, 2022
Blanton was competing with Hopkins to be Tyler Higbee’s backup and helped replace Higbee late last season. In the playoffs, Blanton caught seven passes for 75 yards and a touchdown, including five catches for 57 yards in the NFC title game.
He played 43% of the snaps in the Super Bowl, helping the offense as a blocker while being held catchless.
The Rams now have Higbee, Hopkins, Jared Pinkney and Roger Carter Jr. left on the roster at tight end.
At running back, Trey Ragas, Kyren Williams and Jake Funk are battling for the RB3 spot now that Calais and Rose have been waived.
