The Los Angeles Rams are celebrating the return of offensive lineman Justin Dedich, but also that they were able to secure more defensive help in Devean Deal and Steven Gilmore.
Deal and Dedich were part of a slew of Rams roster announcements, which included some unfortunate news.
The latter three players are all dealing with injuries.
“LA Rams Roster Moves,” the team announced in a post on X on August 24, noting that they signed Deal and Gilmore, that Dedich passed his physical, and that they were making injury-related decisions on Zech McPhearson, Daniel Rickert, and Keir Thomas.
The Rams, like the rest of the league, is running out of time before the roster cutdown deadline.
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Rams head coach Sean McVay noted that Dedich was close, and his return helps out the Rams’ depth. But the Rams also acted quickly in replacing the injured Thomas, who suffered a groin injury against the New Oreleans Saints.
Deal, an undrafted rookie out of TCU, spent time with the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in the spring and also drew interest from the Houston Texans.
The Rams, of course, boast Myles Garrett and Byron Young, but the former is still not practicing.
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However, Deal is clearly an intriguing prospect. That is even if he is likely headed for a spot on some team’s practice squad. Moreover, keeping Garrett and Young fresh during the rest of training camp and during the season is critical.
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Gilmore, likewise, joins a group with plenty of star power. Super Bowl champions and newcomers Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson headline the retooled unit.
He is the younger brother for former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore.
“Gilmore possesses the short-area burst and route anticipation needed to consistently challenge throws directed his way,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote about the younger Gilmore. “He plays a little bigger than his listed size, but he will need to make a full-time move to nickel back, where his smallish frame will be tested in run support. His instincts and ball skills give him a chance to overcome some size mismatches and fight for a backup role.”
Still, he is far down the pecking order. The Rams boast a group that still includes former Washington Commanders first-round draft pick Emmanuel Forbes.
What Comes Next for Daniel Rickert
The Rams’ decisions on Dedich, McPhearson–a former fourth-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles (2023)–and Thomas were all straightforward.
Rickert’s process is a bit more complex.
Rickert will go through waivers just like any other player. However, if he is not claimed, he will revert to the Rams’ injured reserve rather than becoming a free agent. Then, the Rams will officially release him, pending an injury settlement.
Rickert will be allowed to sign with whatever team he pleases. However, Rickert must also wait three weeks beyond his settlement agreement expiration to return to the Rams.
Regardless, the Rams will make another official move on Rickert, finalizing this decision.
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