Sarah Barshop
Multiple Authors
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay mentioned Thursday’s trade for huge receiver Tutu Atwell had “nothing to do” with a possible suspension for two-time Pro Bowl receiver Puka Nacua.
McVay, talking after the Rams’ preseason finale in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers, mentioned that Atwell provides depth on the place.
“It gives us an opportunity to be able to have that speed element, and he can do some different things,” McVay mentioned. “It had nothing to do with anything other than just adding depth to the receiver room.”
In March, a lady in Los Angeles filed a lawsuit in opposition to Nacua that alleged he made an “unprovoked antisemitic statement” towards her and later bit her on the shoulder. In July, McVay mentioned Nacua’s authorized scenario is “ongoing” and one thing for which the group remains to be gathering data and speaking with the league.
The Rams acquired Atwell in trade for operating again Jarquez Hunter. Atwell returns to the group that drafted him within the second spherical in 2021. He had spent his first 5 seasons with Los Angeles earlier than signing a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the Miami Dolphins in March.
McVay additionally mentioned Thursday that he has not selected whether or not Stetson Bennett or rookie first-round choose Ty Simpson will again up quarterback Matthew Stafford this season. Bennett did not play in opposition to the Chargers, however McVay mentioned not to learn an excessive amount of into the distribution of quarterback reps.
Simpson began the sport, finishing 18 of 23 passes for 119 yards and a landing.
“I thought Ty played really well tonight,” McVay mentioned.
He added: “We’ve got three quarterbacks on our roster. Obviously, we’ve got the reigning MVP of the league and then we’ve got two guys that we feel really good about. … Not pigeonholing myself into any sort of decision other than I feel really good about Stetson Bennett [and I] feel really good about Ty Simpson.”
Earlier within the week, McVay mentioned the Rams will preserve all three quarterbacks on their preliminary 53-man roster.