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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on against the Baltimore Ravens.
Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams shook up their group in a way that could prove telling beyond the actual move itself. The Rams parted with two players, removing Nick Hampton and Nick Muse from their roster, ahead of beginning preparations for Week 15.
Hampton was drafted by the Rams in 2023. Muse, a former selection of the Minnesota Vikings in the 2022 draft.
What comes next for the Rams will also be something to monitor.
2023 Draft Pick Nick Hampton Headlines Rams’ Roster Shake-Up
GettyNick Hampton #31 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on before a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Rams announced they “Waived, No Recall OLB Nick Hampton,” with a post on X on December 9.
Hampton, 25, was the No. 161 overall pick of the 2023 draft. He has appeared in 36 games for the Rams in his career, tallying 17 total tackles and 2 pass deflections while maintaining a significant role on special teams.
Hampton logged a career-high 10 tackles in 12 games this season before his release.
There is a chance Hampton returns to the Rams as a member of the practice squad. That would require him to first clear waivers and then choose to re-sign in LA.
Rams’ Desjuan Johnson Turns Heads
GettyDesjuan Johnson #94 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after sacking Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks.
The Rams’ decision to waive Hampton raised eyebrows, with Turf Show Times’ Blaine Grisak calling it “a little shocking,” but a little less so because of Desjuan Johnson’s performance in Week 14 against the Arizona Cardinals.
“Desjuan Johnson had 6 pressures on Sunday. I still think Nick Hampton being cut is wild,” “Downtown Rams” host Jake Ellenbogen posted on X on December 9 in reaction to LA’s decision. “He’s gonna get claimed. Really good run defender, if not? He’ll be back on practice squad.”
Johnson was the No. 259 overall pick in Hampton’s class and is one of nine players the Rams drafted during that cycle who remain on the roster.
Johnson finished with 3 total tackles in Week 14, and he has played in two games this year.
The Rams are tied for the sixth-most sacks and, per Pro Football Reference, the 11th-highest pressure rate in the league entering Week 15. Johnson’s ability to be disruptive cost Hampton his roster spot, but he clearly impressed Rams head coach Sean McVay and Co.
Rams Cut Former Vikings TE Nick Muse
GettyNick Muse #34 of the Minnesota Vikings runs after a catch against the Cleveland Browns.
The Rams also announced that they “Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad” regarding Muse, who was the No. 227 overall pick of the 2022 draft, completing this series of moves as LA gets ready to face the Detroit Lions in Week 15.
Muse has not played in a game for the Rams this season.
The 27-year-old tight end has played in 16 games in his career, catching his lone target for 22 yards.
Muse has also spent time with the Cardinals and the Philadelphia Eagles since entering the league. The Rams are also nearing some potentially noteworthy windows. Being mindful of their roster count is paramount.
Rams Nearing Potential Window for Reinforcements
GettyRob Havenstein #79 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Right tackle Rob Havenstein, safety Quentin Lake, and tight end Tyler Higbee will all surpass the four-game minimum before they can return from IR in Week 15.
The Athletic’s Nate Atkins reported in November that Lake is shooting for a postseason return.
Cornerback Roger McCreary will reach his minimum after Week 16. There has been less chatter around him, Haventsein, and Higbee, though. Atkins said he expects an update on Havenstein and Higbee in the coming week in response to a fan’s inquiry on the veteran tight end.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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