The Jets signed Evans to the practice squad Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Evans had been without a team since being cut from the Rams' practice squad in late August. He'll now give the Jets some depth at running back and could be elevated to the active roster if Braelon Allen (back) is unable to play Sunday against the Rams.
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Status
ACTIVELatest Zach Evans news
Team
New York Jets
Birthdate
5/30/2001 (23)
Status
Practice Squad
HT/WT
5'11", 211 lbs
Draft Info
2023: Rd 6; Pk (LA)
Birthplace
Houston, TX, USA
Position
RB
College
Ole Miss
Experience
2 seasons
Career History
Los Angeles Rams
2023-2025
(2 seasons)
The Jets signed Evans to the practice squad Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Evans had been without a team since being cut from the Rams' practice squad in late August. He'll now give the Jets some depth at running back and could be elevated to the active roster if Braelon Allen (back) is unable to play Sunday against the Rams.
The Rams waived Evans from the practice squad Thursday. Evans was unable to make the Rams' 53-man roster Tuesday, but he was invited back to sign with the taxi squad the next day. However, the Rams claimed Cody Schrader off waivers from the 49ers on Wednesday, and with four running backs on the roster, it appears that Evans' services on the practice squad were no longer needed. Evans, who the Rams selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, finished the preseason strong with 45 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries against the Texans on Saturday. He played in 10 regular-season games in his rookie season, and he should get plenty of interest from teams who are looking to add depth to its backfield.
Evans was waived by the Rams on Tuesday. The running back ran for 45 yards and two touchdowns in the team's final preseason game but still fell short on cut-down day. Evans was fighting for a possible third spot behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. The 2023 sixth-round pick carried the ball just nine times for 19 yards as a rookie despite a rash of injuries in the Rams backfield.
Evans rushed 14 times for 45 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Saturday's preseason finale against the Texans. Evans split rushing duties with Boston Scott (leg) as the two had been doing all preseason sans starters. The former separated himself from the veteran in this contest by cashing in both of the Rams' rushing touchdowns on the day. The top three spots on the RB depth chart are firm, but Evans could sneak his way onto the roster ahead of Scott as RB4 if he the 2023 sixth-round pick is not stashed on the practice squad.
Evans gained 62 yards on 16 rushing attempts in Saturday's preseason win over the Chargers. Evans received the first running back touch for the Rams on Saturday, but he was far less efficient on a per-carry basis (3.9 yards) compared to veteran backup Boston Scott. The latter ripped off 55 yards on just 10 carries as the Rams rested the trio of tailbacks ahead of Saturday's actives on LA's depth chart. Neither of the tailbacks competing for a remaining roster spot received a target in the exhibition win.
Evans carried the ball 12 times for 28 yards and caught his only target for 24 yards in Sunday's 13-12 preseason win over the Cowboys. Boston Scott played the first three quarters as the Rams' lead back, with Evans entering the game in the final quarter and gaining little on the ground. The duo appear to be at the bottom of the RB depth chart for the Rams, with Kyren Williams, rookie Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers all sitting out the team's preseason opener. Given Evans' usage Sunday, he would seem to have an uphill climb ahead of him just to make the 53-man roster.
Evans faces a difficult path to earning a spot on the final roster and is a candidate to be cut before the start of the 2024 regular season, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports. Evans, a 2023 sixth-round pick, only logged nine rush attempts for 19 yards across 10 regular-season appearances as a rookie, despite the Rams suffering a number of injuries to their backfield. A healthy Kyren Williams remains entrenched atop the depth chart and projects for a workhorse role, while rookie third-rounder Blake Corum projects as his top backup. Boston Scott and Ronnie Rivers are relatively established as capable depth options, so unless he can truly impress in training camp, Evans may find himself the odd man out.
Evans managed to keep his spot on the roster over Darrell Henderson with Kyren Williams returning, but his touches once again were uninspiring, and for the year he has a paltry 16 yards rushing on eight attempts. His three rushing attempts were also his only three snaps taken in the game, a far cry from the 41 of Williams and 23 of Royce Freeman. Evans will continue to be the tertiary option in the run game for the Rams barring a few injuries, and a matchup against a stout Browns defense doesn't inspire confidence for a Week 13 breakout.