RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The Los Angeles Rams steamrolled the New Orleans Saints on Saturday afternoon at SoFi Stadium, cruising to a 34-0 win. The Rams didn't play a single starter once again, and even their primary backups were held out of action as a precaution before Week 1.
Interestingly, several other players who may have been flirting with the roster bubble were also kept on the sidelines after playing in the first game last week against the Chiefs. For some, it's a sign that they've all but secured a roster spot, but it's not guaranteed that all five will make the team.
WR Xavier Smith
Smith played a lot in the preseason opener, and he stood out as both a receiver and returner. It may have been enough for the coaching staff to feel good about him as their punt returner and backup receiver. It's likely that the team held him out to avoid any potential injury, given the role he's expected to play this season.
Smith was always likely to make the team thanks to his return skills, and his performance in the first preseason game probably locked up his roster spot.
OL Beaux Limmer
Limmer played 63% of the snaps in the opener against the Chiefs but didn't see the field at all on Saturday. That's a good sign for the third-year lineman, who was likely to make the team anyway. He offers great versatility at guard and center, and the Rams may need him if Justin Dedich takes extra time to get up to speed after missing the entire summer due to a hand injury suffered at home in July.
It's almost certain that Limmer will be on the initial 53.
DT Ty Hamilton
Hamilton struggled as a rookie last season and needed a good offseason to secure his roster spot this year. It seems he's done enough to make the 53-man roster again. He was spotted with the first-team defense during Thursday's joint practice and then sat out the preseason game, which is the treatment given to players who have already locked up roster spots.
It appears Hamilton is in that category as a player the Rams believe will contribute this season.
OLB Desjuan Johnson
Johnson had a sack in the first preseason game and looked good rushing off the edge, continuing what's been a successful transition from defensive tackle to outside linebacker. He looks comfortable playing on the edge, both as a run defender and pass rusher.
As of now, it seems like Johnson will be the fourth outside linebacker behind Myles Garrett, Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart.
CB Zech McPhearson
McPhearson is an interesting one. There was no reported injury in practice, and he seemed like a long shot to make the 53-man roster, so it's surprising that he didn't play at all against the Saints . He played 29% of the defensive snaps in the first preseason game and had one tackle and one pass defensed, playing fairly well against the Chiefs.
McPhearson may be banged up, but his status for Thursday's game will be something to monitor as final cuts approach. Being an experienced player, it's also possible the Rams held him out because he's played enough NFL games and they don't want to risk getting him hurt before another team can claim him – if they plan to cut him next weekend.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 5 notable players the Rams held out vs. Saints (and what it means)
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