The Los Angeles Rams have made a flurry of roster moves leading up to Week 3 of the NFL season.
One of the signings, former Los Angeles Chargers offensive lineman Oday Aboushi, earned the praise of head coach Sean McVay.
“That’s a big deal, to be able to get him,” he said on the September 19 episode of “The Coach McVay Show” podcast. “He’s a guy that has a bunch of starts in this league. A tough, physical competitor. Really enjoyed the way he handled himself, I thought he did a nice job this past week just immersing himself into our culture and our team. He’s definitely a guy we have confidence that could step up and be available.”
Aboushi was signed to the Rams’ practice squad on September 14 and evaluated to the 53-man active roster on September 20, so he could see some playing time when LA travels to the Arizona Cardinals on September 25.
Injuries Precipitate Signing of Aboushi
The move comes in the wake of a couple of injuries suffered in the Rams’ first two games, a 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the NFL season opener and a 31-27 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2.
Center Brian Allen played the entire game against the Bills but injured his knee in the process and could miss the next two weeks, according to a September 9 RamsWire story. And guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr. broke his ankle on the Rams’ first possession against the Falcons. He was placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season, according to Sports Illustrated.
After appearing in 12 games as a rookie last year, Anchrum was making first NFL start.
According to Sports Illustrated, “Anchrum was able to last one more play before being carted [off the field], which earned Anchrum the moniker of ‘tough guy.’ To make the affair all the more distressing, Anchrum was making his [first] career NFL start on Sunday.”
Aboushi’s Career
Aboushi, 31, has been around the NFL quite a bit. Before signing with the Rams, he had stops with the New York Jets, Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions and the Chargers.
In 2021, Aboushi was off to a terrific start with the Chargers before suffering a torn ACL and missing the remainder of the season. He also played well with the Lions, appearing in 16 games in 2020, before signing a one-year deal with the Chargers.
These are the first four plays of film I watched of new veteran RG Oday Aboushi.
Am I in for a treat?
Aboushi, who has 47 starts in his NFL career, is known for his versatility. He has played both guard spots, so McVay can use him where he needs to in hopes of the Rams offensive line getting a bit of a jolt.
In other news, the Rams added center Matt Skura to the practice squad, and they might have to activate him to the 53-man roster soon if these injuries continue.
LA Rams Transactions:
• Signed Practice Squad Veteran C Matt Skura
Skura has 65 starts in his five-year NFL career, so the Rams now have two veterans who have started plenty of games in the league. Let’s see if either one — or both — earns some playing time Sunday in a huge NFC West battle with the Cardinals.
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Rams HC Sean McVay Raves About Addition of Ex-Chargers OL