Rams release defensive lineman Jonah Williams

As the NFL trade deadline came and went, the Los Angeles Rams made a flurry of roster moves. The final tally was two spots cleared off the active roster, followed quickly by filling one, and another practice squad release.

From the active roster, cornerback Tre White was traded to the Baltimore Ravens and defensive tackle Jonah Williams was cut. Offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom was activated to fill one of the two openings. From the practice squad, L.A. released backup to the backup punter Ryan Sanborn.

Jonah Williams started his career in L.A.

It was back on October 4 that the Rams poached Williams off the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. In his four weeks in L.A., he had failed to gain any traction in the defensive line rotation, logging only 14 defensive and 10 special teams stats. HIs only stat was an assisted tackle. NFL rules guarantee a player signed off an opposing practice squad a minimum of three weekly paychecks at the NFL minimum.

This was Williams’ third stint with the Rams, they originally signed him in 2020 as an undrafted free agent out of Weber St. The long, athletic defensive end/edge was re-trained as a down lineman in L.A.’s 3-4 defense and played in 45 games with 22 starts. His best Rams season was last year with 49 tackles and two sacks in 16 starts and 598 defensive snaps. He added another 165 reps on special teams.

It was likely a numbers game that did Williams in, the Rams have six other defensive linemen on the roster and have been subbing in a third edge on passing situations. Although he’s very fierce in holding his ground, he’s not a big pass rush threat for a player built more like an edge than interior player.

Watch #93 on the first clip, that’s what Williams can offer a team

Joseph Noteboom is activated

Noteboom was designated to return from the Injured Reserve List on October 16 and returned to practice, opening a 21-day window for the Rams to get him into game-ready shape and activate him or lose him for the remainder of the season. With Rob Havenstein already ruled out for next Monday’s game, ‘Boom’s activation is a welcomed sight.

Musical punters

When Rams starting punter Ethan Evans was deemed too sick to play in the Seattle Seahawk game, L.A. signed Sanborn to the practice squad on October 31. Something must have went awry, because two days later, they signed another punter, Ty Zentner. It was Zentner who was elevated and took over for Evans.

Additional roster moves from the last 10 days

Edge Zach Van Valkenburg was terminated from the PS with an injury settlement, while wide receiver Sam Wiglusz and center Mike McAllister were waived. Linebacker Tony Fields was signed to the practice squad.

How the roster stands

With 52 players currently on the active roster, the Rams have space for the possible return of offensive linemen Steve Avila and/or Joshua Jackson, although neither have been officially designated for return. L.A. also retains an open spot on the practice squad.