As the Los Angeles Rams finalize their preparations for the 2026 NFL season, the team made a roster move on Saturday, September 5, releasing cornerback Zech McPhearson from injured reserve. The transaction, confirmed by multiple reports including Jackson Durham of SB Nation, does not open a roster spot, as McPhearson was already on IR. The move signals the end of McPhearson's brief tenure with the Rams, who had signed him during training camp to bolster special teams competition.
A Training Camp Addition That Didn't Stick
McPhearson, 28, joined the Rams during the preseason after spending the 2024 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, he suffered an injury during the second preseason game and never returned to action. The Rams placed him on injured reserve, and with the regular season looming, the team opted to release him. McPhearson, a former fourth-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021, was cut by the Eagles ahead of his fourth season in 2024. His career has been hampered by injuries, limiting his opportunities to make an impact on defense.
The Rams still have six players remaining on injured reserve, and the release of McPhearson does not affect their 53-man roster. As the team gears up for their Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, the focus remains on their formidable defense, which has been drawing comparisons to historic units.
Rams' Defense Draws Praise and High Expectations
According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Rams' defense is being touted as potentially historic. The unit, anchored by All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald, has received strong words from teammate and cornerback Isaiah McDuffie. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, McDuffie praised Donald's work ethic and presence, saying, "I know since I've been here, you always hear a lot about Aaron Donald. The way he works, type of person he is. Obviously, there was the whispers beforehand that he might come back. But everything I've heard and, finally, what I'm seeing is everything everybody's talking about."
The Rams' offseason acquisitions have also drawn national attention. General Manager Les Snead has been lauded for assembling a roster that Bleacher Report ranks third in the NFL, behind only the 49ers and Houston Texans. Despite this, some analysts argue the Rams are not the most talented team, but the hype surrounding them as a potential Super Bowl favorite continues to grow. The team's upcoming appearance on CBS's 60 Minutes, scheduled for September 13, will provide an inside look at the so-called "superteam."
Former NFL offensive tackle Jared Veldheer, who played for the Rams in 2020, weighed in on the team's travel plans for the Australia game. He believes the Rams made the right decision to arrive late and leave immediately after the game, minimizing jet lag and disruption. "Get into Australia, play the game and get out," Veldheer said, echoing a sentiment that prioritizes preparation and focus.
As the Rams release McPhearson and finalize their roster, the team's eyes are firmly set on the season opener. With a defense that could rival the legendary "Fearsome Foursome" of the 1960s, Los Angeles enters 2026 with championship aspirations. The release of a fringe cornerback is a minor footnote in what promises to be a compelling season.
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