St. Louis Rams Release LB Kevin Reddick from Practice Squad

The St. Louis Rams have released linebacker Kevin Reddick from their practice squad, which presumably will clear the way for recently released defensive tackle Matt Conrath to return to the squad after clearing waivers.

The release of Reddick is somewhat surprising for two reasons, first of all because the Rams were so short on depth at linebacker, and secondly because Reddick was a prized addition to the practice squad after having a successful rookie season with the New Orleans Saints last year. As an undrafted free agent, Reddick led the Saints in special teams tackles with 13 and also had a forced fumble.

Reddick seemed poised to serve as the Rams’ sixth linebacker and come up to the active roster if one of the five guys on the active roster went down with an injury, but he was apparently outperformed by Denicos Allen, an undrafted free agent who is also on the practice squad.

With wide receiver Stedman Bailey coming back from suspension, it would have seemed more logical in terms of roster composition for the Rams to let go of one of their practice squad receivers (Emory Blake and Justin Veltung). Instead, they’ll maintain a complement of eight receivers for practice.. Assuming that Conrath is brought back to the practice squad, this move will give the Rams 33 offensive players in their system, compared to just 27 on defense.