For the second consecutive game, the Rams did not activate receiver Tutu Atwell from injured reserve.
Two weeks ago, The Rams opened the 21-day window for Atwell to return to the roster. If he is not activated after next Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions, he would remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season and the playoffs.
“We haven’t gone down that road yet,” McVay said this week, adding, “That’s not something that we’ve explored or really thought is a possibility, but you never know.”
The Rams gave Atwell a one-year, $10-million contract, seemingly with the expectation that he would team with Puka Nuca and Davante Adams as the primary targets for quarterback Matthew Stafford.
But Atwell had only four catches before he aggravated a hamstring injury and went on injured reserve.
McVay has since indicated that Atwell’s return has been hampered by the team’s need for special teams players on the 48-man game-day roster.
Receiver Xavier Smith, who also returns punts, started against the Carolina Panthers and caught three passes for 82 yards, including one for a 51-yard gain.
“It’s been a unique set of circumstances relative to the timing and figuring out how you get 48 guys up and being able to balance that out relative to how many on offense, how many on defense and you’re three specialists,” McVay said.
Atwell said this week that he trusts McVay to make the best decisions for the Rams.
“So let him do his part, and I’ll do mine when the time comes,” Atwell said. “When my number’s called I’ll make the best of it like I always do.”