As the Los Angeles Rams prepare for their final preseason game, here are four roster bubble players to watch.
The Los Angeles Rams have seen a variety of players have solid performances this preseason, which has helped some to make strong cases for the roster, but has also impacted other players and where they stand to make the final 53-man roster.
Additionally, the potential return of Aaron Donald could make things a bit more difficult, as that would require one more cut that the Rams would have to make. In terms of Donald's decision, it would be ideal if it were to happen before the deadline for cutting the roster down to 53 players on August 30th at 6 PM EST.
If Donald does make his decision after the deadline, the Rams should be prepared, as head coach McVay talked about crafting a roster with both scenarios in mind, so Los Angeles is able to fully maximize the talent currently on the roster and is prepared in case Donald decides he wants to come back.
With all of this in mind, here are four Rams roster bubble players to watch in the final preseason game on Thursday against the Los Angeles Chargers as McVay and the rest of the staff begin deciding who will be on the final 53-man roster.
1. Cam Lampkin, CB
One of the more interesting players to watch in this process is cornerback Cam Lampkin, who has had a solid performance this preseason, as he has tallied two pass breakups. Against the Saints, he had an overall grade of 71.6.
Lampkin is in a very tight battle to be one of the corners on the regular season roster.
The players Lampkin is competing against for the cornerback depth on the roster include Al'zillion Hamilton, Nyzier Fourqurean, and Alex Johnson. All four of these players have had their moments in the preseason thus far, but if Lampkin can make a few splash plays on Thursday, that could set him apart from the rest.
As Lampkin prepares for this final preseason game, if he can continue to be consistent with his technique in the run game and in coverage and make a few plays on the ball, that may be enough for him to land a spot on this roster and contribute for the Rams in 2026.
2. Bill Murray, OG
On the offensive line, guard Bill Murray also has a case to make the 53-man roster, especially after a great performance in the second preseason game against the Saints. In that game against the Saints, Murray had the highest PFF grade on the entire roster with an overall grade of 92.3 and was consistently doing his job well.
With Murray playing well thus far in the preseason, he could be a great depth piece for the Rams on the interior of the offensive line, especially with Keagen Trost and Justin Dedich still battling injuries.
So, heading into the preseason finale, it will be worth watching Murray, and if he can continue to progress, and if he does, that could help to make an argument to be on the Rams' 53-man roster or a roster elsewhere.
3. Tim Keenan III, DT
Getting back to the defensive side of the ball, defensive tackle Tim Keenan III is another player who seems to be on the bubble for this roster, especially if Donald does come back. So far this preseason, Keenan does have some solid stats, as he has totaled six tackles and one sack, showing his ability to stop the run but also put pressure on the quarterback.
The main issue is that Keenan is fighting for a spot in one of the most talented position groups on the roster. If Donald does decide to return, Keenan's goal of making this roster would become even tougher, but a great performance on Thursday could still give him a chance.
In this final preseason game on Thursday, if Keenan can dominate in the run game and put heavy pressure on the quarterback, that could give him a great opportunity to possibly make the Rams roster, but if not, that also opens up opportunities for him on a different roster or the practice squad, where he will be ready in case an injury happens.
4. Jarquez Hunter, RB
The final player on this list is running back Jarquez Hunter, who had a great performance on Saturday, but he may need another similar performance on Thursday in order to make the final roster. In the second preseason game against the Saints, Hunter had 12 carries for 68 yards, one touchdown, and averaged 5.7 yards per carry.
Throughout the game, Hunter did a great job of finding lanes behind his offensive line and will look to do something similar against the Chargers on Thursday. When it comes to Hunter earning a spot, his main competition will be Ronnie Rivers, who seems to be on the verge of making this roster as well, but there is also the possibility that both Rivers and Hunter can make this roster.
If Hunter can have another solid performance on Thursday and prove his ability to contribute in a variety of ways, that could give him a good chance and potentially complement what is already a great running back room.
