BREAKING: Los Angeles Rams Confirms More Good and Bad News Ahead of week 5 game vs Packers
The Los Angeles Rams, seeking to improve their league-worst run defense, have welcomed back defensive tackles Jonah Williams and Larrell Murchison to their roster. Murchison was activated from Injured Reserve (IR), while Williams was signed from the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad, bringing the Rams’ roster to 53 players.
Additionally, cornerback Darious Williams has been designated to return to practice after being on IR, starting a 21-day window for him to rejoin the active roster. In other roster moves, undrafted rookie corner Cam Lampkin was waived but cleared waivers and was signed to the practice squad. Kicker Tanner Brown was also released from the practice squad.
Jonah Williams is now entering his third stint with the Rams. Initially signed as an undrafted free agent out of Weber State in 2020, Williams has since played 41 games for the Rams, including 22 starts. Over his three seasons, he has accumulated 77 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 12 QB pressures, and four tackles for loss.
Larrell Murchison, claimed off waivers by the Rams in December 2022 after being released by the Tennessee Titans, has primarily served as a backup. In his four-year career, he’s made 37 tackles, two sacks, and five tackles for loss across 44 games and eight starts. Both players are expected to bolster the Rams’ struggling defense.
Breaking updates: Larrell Murchison broke his foot on his first day back at practice and is out indefinitely and Darious Williams is expected to play vs. the Packers this Sunday.
While it’s unlikely that Darious Williams will be activated for the Rams’ game against the Packers this Sunday, his return to practice is a positive development for L.A.’s struggling secondary. Williams was the Rams’ biggest offseason addition to their defense, and the unit has felt his absence. Originally claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens in October 2018, Williams has built an impressive six-year NFL career.
Over 80 games, including 55 starts, Williams has logged 3,952 defensive snaps, recording 236 tackles, 62 passes defended, and 10 interceptions. His solid coverage skills are reflected in his 58.6% completion rate allowed and a quarterback rating of just 73.9 when targeted. His return is highly anticipated as the Rams look to stabilize their defense.
Back in July I asked, “Will the Rams defensive line be the flashpoint?”
Four games into the season, there’s still no clear solution for the Rams’ defensive woes. That’s largely because L.A. has struggled across all three levels of their defense. While Larrell Murchison and Jonah Williams may not be massive forces in the middle, they bring veteran experience and a gritty, workmanlike approach. Both players are willing to do the dirty work that often goes unnoticed.
With Bobby Brown and Neville Gallimore making minimal impact so far, the hope is that Murchison or Williams can draw double teams, opening up opportunities for the linebackers and creating favorable matchups for the Rams’ promising young pass rushers.
When you have the NFL’s worst defense, even small adjustments—like adding players who can plug holes and slow down opposing offenses—are valuable steps in the right direction.
I really don't think the Jonah Williams is getting enough credit for what he's doing this season.
The Rams run defense is so much better when he's on the field. Williams is top-10 in the NFL in run-stop win rate. pic.twitter.com/F4Bv4FFm0p
— Blaine Grisak 💭 (@bgrisakTST) October 4, 2023