The Los Angeles Rams are just days away from kicking off their 2019 season, heading to Charlotte for a Week 1 date with the Carolina Panthers. It’s a difficult matchup for the West Coast Rams, having to travel to the other side of the country for an early 1 p.m. ET start.
Ahead of the season opener, the Rams released their first depth chart of 2019. It comes with no surprises as the starting lineup is set, while the backups are essentially all as expected.
Here’s a look at how the starters, backups and reserves shake out.
Justin Lawler is listed on the depth chart, but he was placed on injured reserve so he’s out for at least the first eight weeks of the season. He was replaced by Coleman Shelton on the 53-man roster.
That means Natrez Patrick is a primary backup at outside linebacker behind Clay Matthews. With Matthews expected to play some inside linebacker, too, Patrick could play some snaps – if he’s on the 46-man game day roster.
Unsurprisingly, Malcolm Brown is listed as the backup to Todd Gurley at running back, with Darrell Henderson Jr. as the third-stringer. Sean McVay said this week that all three guys will have a role on offense, so we’ll see how much each plays and touches the ball on Sunday.
JoJo Natson is the backup slot receiver and primary kick and punt returner for the Rams, though Nsimba Webster can contribute there on special teams, as well. He should be the backup to Natson in the return game.
