5 notable players the Rams held out vs. Saints (and what it means)

5 notable players the Rams held out vs. Saints (and what it means) These five players were all held out against the Saints.

Key points

• The Los Angeles Rams steamrolled the New Orleans Saints on Saturday afternoon at SoFi Stadium, cruising to a 34-0 win.
• As of now, it seems like Johnson will be the fourth outside linebacker behind Myles Garrett, Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart.
• Limmer played 63% of the snaps in the opener against the Chiefs but didn't see the field at all on Saturday.
• He played 29% of the defensive snaps in the first preseason game and had one tackle and one pass defensed, playing fairly well against the Chiefs.
• It appears Hamilton is in that category as a player the Rams believe will contribute this season.

For context, the Los Angeles Rams steamrolled the New Orleans Saints on Saturday afternoon at SoFi Stadium, cruising to a 34-0 win. The Rams didn't play a single starter once again, and even their primary backups were held out of action as a precaution before Week 1.

Interestingly, a number of other players who may have been flirting with the roster bubble were additionally kept on the sidelines after playing in the first game last week against the Chiefs. For some, it's a sign that they've all but secured a roster spot, but it's not guaranteed that all five will create the team.

Smith played a lot in the preseason opener, and he stood out as both a receiver and returner. It may have been enough for the coaching staff to feel good regarding him as their punt returner and backup receiver. It's probable that the team held him out to avoid any potential injury, given the role he's anticipated to play this season.

Smith was always probable to produce the team thanks to his return skills, and his performance in the first preseason game probably locked up his roster spot.

Limmer played 63% of the snaps in the opener against the Chiefs but didn't see the field at all on Saturday. That's a good sign for the third-year lineman. This person was probable to produce the team anyway. He offers great versatility at guard and center, and the Rams may need him if Justin Dedich takes extra time to obtain up to speed after missing the entire summer due to a hand injury suffered at home in July. It's almost certain that Limmer will be on the initial 53.

Hamilton struggled as a rookie last season and needed a good offseason to secure his roster spot this year. It seems he's done enough to create the 53-man roster again. He was spotted with the first-team defense during Thursday's joint practice and then sat out the preseason game. It is the treatment given to players who have already locked up roster spots.

Johnson had a sack in the first preseason game and looked good rushing off the edge, continuing what's been a successful transition from defensive tackle to outside linebacker. He looks comfortable playing on the edge, both as a run defender and pass rusher.

McPhearson is an interesting one. There was no documented injury in practice, and he seemed like a long shot to produce the 53-man roster, so it's surprising that he didn't play at all against the Saints. He played 29% of the defensive snaps in the first preseason game and had one tackle and one pass defensed, playing fairly well against the Chiefs.

McPhearson may be banged up, but his status for Thursday's game will be something to monitor as final cuts approach. Being an experienced player, it's additionally feasible the Rams held him out since he's played enough NFL games and they don't want to risk getting him hurt before another team can claim him – if they plan to cut him next weekend.

In short, 5 notable players the Rams held out vs. Saints (and what it is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.