Rams’ Latest Signings Hint at Resting Starters in Week 18
The Los Angeles Rams have a big decision to make in Week 18 regarding the resting of key players. With the team limited to earning only the No. 6 or 7 seed in the playoffs, there might not be a strong incentive to going all out against the San Fracisco 49ers.
On the other hand, Los Angeles may value one particular seed over the other due to the potential opponents that come with it. The right matchup is all it takes for Sean McVay's squad to jump start a possible Super Bowl run.
This is the dilemma his staff faces leading up to kickoff. However, it appears McVay is leaning one way particular way ahead of Sunday's contest.
McVay said Monday that he had not decided if starters would play against 49ers. But signing Winn to practice squad would seem to indicate Wentz will at least get first team snaps in practice and possibly play.
— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) January 2, 2024
The Rams signed kicker Brett Maher and signed WR Tyler Johnson to active roster, another indication that McVay will rest or limit some starters.
— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) January 3, 2024
Rams News: New Signings Provide Spoiler for Week 18 Plans
The Rams made two notable moves on Tuesday, signing quarterback Dresser Winn to the practice squad and promoting PS wide receiver Tyler Johnson to the active roster.
Given LA just added depth players at two key positions, it's fair to wonder if this hints at resting starters in Week 18. After all, Los Angeles was fine releasing Winn in early November with Matthew Stafford healthy and Carson Wentz serving as QB2.
Bringing Winn back suggests the team needs another signal-caller to take reps under center this week. That wouldn't be necessary if Stafford was a full go, as Wentz would handle most of the leftovers.
Meanwhile, the Rams have to weigh the pros and cons of playing rookie stud Puka Nacua in Week 18. The wideout is only 29 yards shy of setting the rookie receiving record, which would be an incredible personal achievement.
Los Angeles has to consider, however, the potential consequences if Nakua is allowed to take the field. The team simply can't afford to lose his playmaking right before the playoffs, so seeing the BYU product go down while playing in a mostly meaningless game would sting tremendously.
By promoting Johnson to the active roster, that gives him a legit chance to play. That opportunity very well could be a result of LA hoping to sit Nakua for most (if not all) of Sunday's clash versus San Francisco.