The Los Angeles Rams announced Monday that they have placed rookie wide receiver Tutu Atwell on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
This comes on the heels of head coach Sean McVay announcing that the team is close to being 100% vaccinated. Now, just because Atwell was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list does not mean that he’s unvaccinated or even that he tested positive, which is still possible even if he is vaccinated.
The Rams’ rookies reported to training camp on Sunday and Atwell was among them, even speaking to reporters. The Rams do not have to specify if Atwell tested positive or not due to the league’s policies, but one thing that is for sure is he will not be able to return to the practice field until he’s taken off the list.
L.A. has high hopes for Atwell in 2021 as the speedy receiver was their first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft in the second round out of Louisville. Not being around for part of training camp is a big deal for a rookie though, so hopefully his stay on the Reserve/COVID-19 list is not a long one.
As things currently stand, the Rams have Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods as their starting wideouts. After that, it will be Atwell battling with DeSean Jackson and Van Jefferson for playing time, although all three should see the field plenty throughout the 2021 season if they’re healthy.
The Rams typically don’t play their key players during the preseason, so it will be interesting to see if young receivers like Atwell and Jefferson see some time, especially now that the former could be dealing with COVID-19.
