The Los Angeles Rams have made multiple roster moves on back-to-back days. None was more significant than their decision on Quentin Lake.
Lake’s presence has been missed both for his play and his leadership.
His return comes at a good time. The Rams made several other adjustments to their group ahead of what they hope is an extended run in the postseason. For the Rams, that journey begins with a trip to face the Carolina Panthers in Wild Card weekend.
Rams Activate Team Captain
GettyQuentin Lake #37 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after beating the Seattle Seahawks.
The Rams announced with a post on X on January 6 that they “Activated, from Reserve S Quentin Lake,” officially marking the end of a seven-game absence for the two-time team captain, safety, and nickelback.
“Rams defense was bottom-3 in all major metrics when Quentin Lake was on IR. He’s officially back, fresh off an extension,” Rams Bros. posted on X on January 6.
“Insanely high expectations for him and this defense on Saturday.”
Lake, the No. 211 overall pick in the 2022 draft, signed a three-year extension worth up to $42 million with the Rams on New Year’s Day. TheRams.com’s Wyatt Miller noted Lake was having “another stellar season” before his injury.
“Lake put together a career year in 2024 as a versatile chess piece who played primarily in the slot,” Miller wrote in the official release announcing the DB’s extension. “He was in the midst of another stellar season during the first 10 games of 2025 before an elbow injury landed him on Injured Reserve.
“A sixth-round pick four years ago, Lake has emerged as a star and team captain for the Rams during the course of his rookie contract.”
Lake’s return bolsters the Rams’ starting lineup, but their roster depth got help, too.
Rams Shake Up Practice Squad
GettyBen Niemann #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on against the Atlanta Falcons.
In addition to activating Lake from IR, the Rams signed a pair of veteran defensive players to their practice squad, replacing two others.
On Tuesday, the Rams announced a deal with linebacker Ben Niemann.
Niemann was on the New York Jets earlier this season, and he has also spent time with the Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs–with whom he won a Super Bowl after the 2019 regular season–and the Tennessee Titans.
Niemann replaces safety Nate Valcarcel, whom the Rams announced they “Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad.”
Valcarcel is a rookie undrafted free agent who has yet to appear in a regular-season game.
The Rams’ shuffling Niemann and Valcarcel follows their pattern from Monday, when they announced in a different post on X that they “Signed Practice Squad Veteran DE Larrell Murchison” and “Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad DB Alex Johnson.”
Murchison, a fifth-round draft pick of the 2020 draft by the Titans, has bounced between the Rams’ active roster, practice squad, and free agency this season.
LA most recently waived him ahead of the regular-season finale.
Johnson has had a similar experience. The former UDFA has spent time with the Titans, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Giants. With Lake’s return, the Rams’ secondary is no longer in flux, with Ahkello Withspoon and Roger McCreary also back from injuries.
Rams Get Bad News on Young Playmakers
GettyCam Lampkin #3, Nate Valcarcel #43, and Shaun Dolac #56 of the Los Angeles Rams tackle Jalen Brooks #83 of the Dallas Cowboys.
The Rams’ roster suffered another noteworthy loss, with linebacker Shaun Dolac going on IR due to a knee injury.
Rams head coach Sean McVay said during his press conference on Tuesday that Dolac injured his PCL. McVay was unsure if the injury would require surgery. Dolac is another UDFA. He signed with the Rams after the 2025 draft and earned a roster spot out of training camp.
Likewise, second-year wide receiver Jordan Whittington also suffered a knee injury.
However, McVay spoke more optimistically about the 2024 sixth-round pick’s outlook in comparison to his fellow injured roster mate.
Rams Add Versatile Leader, Super Bowl Champion in Roster Shake-Up