As the NFL regular season countdown hits its final stretch, roster cut deadlines loom large – and the Rams wasted no time trimming the fat. Teams are ruthless now. No patience for roster holdouts or slow healers. They’ve already trimmed their roster from 90 players down to 79. But the hard part is still ahead. Sean McVay must cut another 26 players by 4 p.m. ET on August 26 to reach the mandated 53-man roster limit. Only after hitting that number can the Rams begin signing players to their 16-man practice squad. With that ruthless trimming in mind, let’s take a look at who didn’t make the cut.

The Rams just waved goodbye to 11 players, including tight end McCallan Castles and quarterback Dresser Winn, with no possibility of a recall. That list also features defensive stalwarts like Malik Dixon-Williams and Decarius Hawthorne. Plus, offensive line depth in Ben Dooley and John Leglue, center Mike McAllister, outside linebacker Josh Pearcy, defensive lineman Da’Jon Terry, and offensive tackle Trey Wedig. The message? Only the fittest and freshest make the cut.

But the surprising headline here is the termination of a vested veteran contract – linebacker Tony Fields II. This move is significant because vested veterans usually have roster protections. The Rams clearly mean business heading into the season. It’s all about sharpening the squad.

Dresser Winn’s release was one of the most unexpected moves. Just days earlier, Sean McVay had named Winn the starter for the Rams’ preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns, giving him a chance to prove himself in a real game setting. Winn completed 15 of 23 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown. But he was also sacked four times and managed only seven rushing yards on three carries. Despite his effort, alas, the Rams decided to waive him. So, it’s a stark reminder that preseason performance alone doesn’t guarantee a roster spot in a league as cutthroat as the NFL.

These games exist for exactly this purpose: to separate the players who truly belong from those who fall just short. It’s a trial by fire where coaches evaluate not just talent, but resilience and fit within the team’s system. Winn got his audition, and ultimately, Sean McVay made the tough call. With the roster steadily shaping up, attention now shifts to the other key piece of the Rams’ puzzle – Matthew Stafford – and his struggle to return from injury as the regular season approaches.

Matthew Stafford’s injury status

Stafford is finally breaking his radio silence after nearly two and a half months off from media events due to a pesky back injury. His first press conference since June was peppered with a perfect Stafford-style joke: “You guys all want to talk about this paper cut I got last night opening some mail? That’s what I figured. Fire away.” When a reporter actually did ask about it, Stafford deadpanned, “Oh good. Yeah, we glued it up. It felt great. Spun it around pretty good. Thanks for asking.”

Of course, the real focus was his back injury, which has sidelined him for much of training camp. He opened up about his back, saying he managed to practice four days in a row this week, which is a good sign. His humor stayed intact despite the frustration of the injury, offering hope that he’s gearing up just in time for Week 1 against the Texans. He said he’s doing “everything under the sun it feels like” to bounce back.

Sean McVay weighed in on Stafford’s recovery this week, painting a positive picture. “He’s looked like the stud we know,” McVay said. “From what I see, there’s no restrictions, and he’s playing at a really high level. I’ve seen a guy that’s gotten better and better.” The coach’s confidence will surely ease nerves in LA as the season opener approaches.

Stafford’s health is crucial for the Rams’ hopes in 2025. With Winn cut and Stafford’s status still cautiously monitored, McVay’s quarterback decision has a lot riding on it. One thing is clear: the Rams are gearing up for a competitive season, but only if their signal-caller can stay healthy and the roster continues to sharpen under McVay’s watchful eye.