Prior to their matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in the Wild Card Round, the Los Angeles Rams added depth to the safety position by signing Eric Weddle to a contract for the remainder of the season.
The move came out of nowhere as the 37-year-old had been retired for two years, last suiting up for L.A. in 2019. He was brought in as insurance following Jordan Fuller and Taylor Rapp sustaining injuries against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.
Although he didn’t anticipate seeing the field much, Weddle has taken on a huge role in the Rams’ defense. He played 60 snaps against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and led the team with nine tackles in the NFC Championship Game.
Weddle is now expected to start in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals and will be the team’s defensive signal-caller, per Dan Pompei of The Athletic:
Rapp is expected to return against the Bengals — but as a backup. Weddle will not only be starting but for the first time this year, he will wear the communication device that makes him the designated play caller.
“He brings elite football awareness and intelligence,” Evero says. “And he has the ability to communicate, communicate fast and communicate in a way everyone understands. That leads to building confidence.”
Before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in the final week of the regular season, Fuller had worn the green dot as the Rams’ defensive signal-caller all year. Troy Reeder then assumed the role for L.A.’s first three playoff games before giving up the responsibility to Weddle.
That the Rams are entrusting the six-time Pro Bowler with such an important job in the team’s biggest game of the year is a testament to his leadership, football IQ and awareness.
It also could indicate less time on the field for Reeder, who missed some key tackles in the NFC Championship Game. With Ernest Jones being healthier for the Super Bowl, his snaps could increase along with Travin Howard in place of Reeder.
While Weddle’s return to L.A. has been productive thus far, he recently revealed that he plans to return to retirement after Super Bowl LVI.
