Why aren’t the Rams playing $10-million receiver Tutu Atwell?
Prior to this season, the Rams signed wide receiver Tutu Atwell to a one-year contract worth $10 million.
It appeared coach Sean McVay was committed to fully integrating the 2021 second-round pick into a receiving corps that included Puka Nacua and newcomer Davante Adams, a three-time All-Pro.
But Atwell had just four catches before suffering a hamstring injury that placed him on injured reserve in late October, and the Rams did not activate him for Sunday’s game, a 31-28 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
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Gary Klein explains what went wrong for the Rams in Sunday’s 31-28 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Xavier Smith, who also returns punts, filled the role of speedy receiver and caught three passes for 82 yards, including one for 51 yards.
McVay indicated after the game that the decision not to activate Atwell was a roster management issue heavily influenced by personnel consolidations and special teams needs that affect the 48-player per game day limit.
On Monday, when asked if Atwell would play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, McVay was evasive, pending the formulation of this week’s game plan.
“I love Tutu. I love everything he stands for,” McVay said in a video conference with reporters. “I would love to be able to find a way to get him going and get him involved and if that suits the collective in relation to the 48, there are a lot of factors to consider.”
McVay said Atwell did “everything he could control,” but “certain roles and rhythms are established in relation to special teams” and personnel required in various position groups.
“There’s a lot of levels, some of which he just has no control over and that’s what’s unfortunate,” McVay said. “But we want to be able to figure out how to raise it.”
Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell receives a high-five from coach Sean McVay during training camp in July.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Throughout his career, Atwell always said he was happy to be patient, loved being a part of the Rams and would be ready whenever he was asked.
After an injury-marred rookie season, he caught 18 passes in 2022, 39 in 2023 and 42 in 2024.
This season, he scored an 88-yard game-winning touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts. But he otherwise served primarily as a potential threat in an offense that featured quarterback Matthew Stafford, Nacua, Adams, running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum and as many as three tight ends.
Smith, Jordan Whittington and rookie Konata Mumpfield, all of whom play on special teams, have also been part of the receiver rotation.
Atwell said last week that he spent time nursing injuries, getting stronger and helping his teammates prepare for games.
“I feel good and I’m ready to get back into it,” he said.
Smith, who began his career with the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2023, said Atwell was instrumental in his development. He said Atwell welcomed him into the receiver room and was a good example of that.
“So when it’s my turn,” Smith said Monday, “I just want to follow in those same footsteps and do it as well as him.”
