Los Angeles Rams

5 Bubble Players From Los Angeles Rams Who Made the 53-Man Roster

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Los Angeles Rams trimmed their roster down to 53 players for the 2016 season on Saturday.

Aug 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams runningback Malcolm Brown (39) runs against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Isaiah Frey (23) during the third quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

After a preseason filled with plenty of highs and lows, the Los Angeles Rams have officially trimmed their roster down to 53 players as the team prepares for their Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Rams opened up the preseason with two impressive wins over the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs, but the team took a step back with a few struggles in the final two games against the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings. Los Angeles seems to be talented enough on the defensive side of the ball, but the offense is clearly still a work in progress.

While having a player like Todd Gurley as their starting running back will certainly help, the Rams know they’re going to need better contributions from the other players at running back and wide receiver. Here’s a look at five key bubble players who ended up making the Rams 53-man roster and will hopefully find a way to make an impact during the 2016 season.

Jun 14, 2016; Oxnard, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Nelson Spruce (86) catches a ball during minicamp workouts at River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Nelson Spruce

Rams fans were crushed to hear the news about Nelson Spruce missing a few weeks with a knee sprain when considering how much of a favorite he became after just one preseason game. Luckily, Jeff Fisher saw something special in the former Colorado star to give him a shot based off one performance–which doesn’t happen often in the NFL.

Spruce emerged as the unexpected hero during the preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys after catching six passes for 51 yards with one touchdown, but the knee injury was a major reason for concern when considering the battle he was now facing to earn a roster spot. Instead, Spruce will enter the 2016 season as a major fan favorite and hopefully make an immediate impact for a desperate group of wide receivers.

If all goes well with no complications from the knee, Spruce could be a nice fit in the slot.

Aug 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Malcolm Brown (39) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Malcolm Brown

At one point, Malcolm Brown led the league in rushing yards through two preseason games and the running back looks to take advantage of this unexpected opportunity thanks to a surprise opening at the position.

When training camp got underway, many expected Tre Mason and Benny Cunningham to occupy the spots as backup running backs to Todd Gurley. While Cunningham was a no brainer when it came to making the roster, Brown was able to take advantage of Mason’s bizarre decision to not show up at training camp.

If the preseason is any indication of what’s in store, Los Angeles may be better off with Brown instead of Mason anyway. It’s always a plus to see players truly appreciate rare opportunities to play in the NFL and Rams fans should feel confident in having a reliable backup behind Gurley like Brown–even if he does only receiving limited action as the No. 3 running back.

Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) runs back a kick in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mackensie Alexander (20) at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Thomas

When the Rams used a sixth-round pick on former Southern Mississippi star Mike Thomas back in May, the team was hoping the wide receiver would turn out to be one of the biggest steals from the later rounds of the draft. While Thomas failed to standout much in the preseason, Los Angeles wasn’t willing to give up on the wideout just yet and believe it or not, this was the right move.

Thomas recorded his best performance against the Minnesota Vikings in the preseason finale thanks to extended playing time with most of the starters resting after catching three of four targets for 38 yards. After failing to record a catch against the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs, Thomas only caught one pass for 14 yards against the Denver Broncos to rack up his total to four catches in the preseason.

It may be difficult to understand now, but the Rams obviously see something special in this wide receiver (or don’t have many other options) if they’re willing to give him this type of opportunity.

Aug 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Chase Reynolds (34) runs for a touchdown against Dallas Cowboys linebacker Mark Nzeocha (53) during the third quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Chase Reynolds

Even though it seemed like a long shot to happen, it would have been heartbreaking to see Los Angeles part ways with Chase Reynolds when considering the type of impact he’s made on special teams over the last three seasons.

The former Montana star had an extra advantage over the other running backs fighting for a spot as a backup to Todd Gurley due to what he brings to the table on special teams and Los Angeles even found ways to use him on offense in the preseason. In fact, Reynolds was responsible for recording a touchdown catch against the Cowboys and it will be interesting to see how much the Rams use him on offense during the regular season.

Choosing another player for a roster spot over Reynolds would have been nothing short of foolish and the team knows that. Here’s to another season of Reynolds making a strong impact on special teams with a few surprises on offense as well.

Aug 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Brian Quick (83) during the second half of a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Rams 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Quick

Before anyone freaks out over Brian Quick being on this list, keep in mind Rams finds are scratching their heads as to why the team is willing to give him another shot at wide receiver.

At this point, the only thing that seems to make sense for Quick making the team is the key injuries to Spruce and Pharoh Cooper at wide receiver. Los Angles already has one of the league’s weakest receiving corps and with the return of these players uncertain, Fisher most likely wanted to keep Quick as a precaution.

After dropping numerous passes and only catching six passes for 55 yards in the preseason, Rams fans shouldn’t hold their breath on Quick making an impact in the passing game. It sounds terrible to say, but the wide receiver will most likely end up being another disappointment in 2016 instead of making any sort of contribution to offense.