St. Louis Rams: Trey Watts Restored to Active Roster, Christian Bryant Released
With the St. Louis Rams apparently worried about the ability of backup running back Tre Mason, who has missed the entire week of practice with an ankle injury, to play on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, they made a move on Friday afternoon to add some protection. Running back Trey Watts was added to the active roster from the practice squad, while safety Christian Bryant was released.
It’s difficult to understand why the Rams felt the need for extra insurance at the running back position considering that Mason, who had 179 carries for 765 yards last season, has been on the field for just seven offensive snaps in the past two weeks while rookie Todd Gurley has become the team’s bellcow in the backfield, with third down back Benny Cunningham getting some action for screen plays and pass protection. If they needed an emergency back, Tavon Austin, who’s second on the team with 99 rushing yards, or special-teams ace Chase Reynolds could fill in in a pinch.
With that said, Watts can give the Rams some extra coverage in case they have a need for another back. As a rookie last year, he ran seven times for 30 yards and caught three passes for 18 yards. He is also a solid special-teamer and can take over any kicking game responsibilities that Bryant was scheduled to have on Sunday.
Bryant, an undersized safety and special-teams player, made his NFL debut earlier this season against the Arizona Cardinals after occupying a spot on the Rams’ practice squad since being drafted out of Ohio State in the seventh round of the 2014 draft. Bryant had no tackles through his first two NFL games. With fellow second-year backup safety and special-teamer Maurice Alexander returning from an injury this week, there wasn’t going to be much need for Bryant going forward. It’s a strong possibility that he’ll be re-signed to the practice squad early next week to fill the spot that was vacated by Watts’s promotion.
Next: Rams Notes from the Past Week
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