The Los Angeles Rams established themselves as the best team in the NFL this past week after a dominant win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Rams entered the matchup with a chance to move up to the No. 1 seed in the NFC after the Philadelphia Eagles lost earlier in the day to the Dallas Cowboys, giving the team plenty of motivation. Los Angeles responded with its best overall effort to date as they raced out to a large lead after the first quarter and never looked back.
What made the win even more impressive is the fact that Los Angeles designated key players in Rob Havenstein, Tyler Higbee and Quentin Lake on injured reserve during the week. Losing three starters would be a tough pill to swallow for any team, but the Rams managed to maintain their elite level of play on both sides of the field.
Fortunately, it looks like Los Angeles will be getting a few reinforcements in Tutu Atwell and Ahkellko Witherspoon as well as bringing in a familiar face in Derion Kendrick and a tight end in Nick Vannett, via the Rams’ official X:
LA Rams Roster Moves:
• Signed to Active Roster TE Nick Vannett
• Claimed Off Waivers CB Derion Kendrick
• Designated for Return WR Tutu Atwell, CB Ahkello Witherspoon
• Reserve/Injured CB Roger McCreary pic.twitter.com/TKWVCyMDF3— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 26, 2025
Atwell was expected to return from his hamstring injury as soon as he was eligible to, but Witherspoon being ready is a pleasant surprise. Witherspoon was initially diagnosed with a broken clavicle before he clarified he broke his scapula, so he was actually gunning to return in Week 13 and Sean McVay said he expects him to play.
Without Lake and now Roger McCreary, who was also placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury, getting Witherspoon back is a massive boost to the secondary. Kendrick’s return is also a positive move as he’s familiar with the scheme and can serve as depth.
Meanwhile, Vannett being signed to the active roster off the Minnesota Vikings practice squad might signal head coach Sean McVay’s way of ensuring he can run as much 13 personnel as possible this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. The use of tight ends as blockers and eligible receivers has added another dimension to the offense that’s put even more stress on opposing defenses.
Davante Adams having most fun he’s ever had playing football with Rams
The Rams offense has also been clicking thanks to Davante Adams who’s become the preferred red zone option for Matthew Stafford. Following the win against the Buccaneers, Adams said he’s having the most fun he’s ever had playing football with the Rams.
