The Los Angeles Rams are making final preparations for their NFC Wild Card matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, including strengthening their pass rush.
LA tied with the Las Vegas Raiders for the eighth-fewest sacks this season with 38. However, they witnessed how the Detroit Lions’ pass rush disrupted Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold in Week 18.
To address this, the Rams announced a roster move, elevating pass rusher Keir Thomas from the practice squad.
“LA Rams Roster Moves,” the team posted on X on January 13. “Activated, from Practice Squad (Standard Elevation) OLB Keir Thomas.”
Thomas appeared in one game in 2024, recording three tackles and one tackle for loss. In his three seasons in the NFL, he has yet to register a sack. An undrafted free agent from Florida State, Thomas has accumulated 13 tackles, five of which were behind the line of scrimmage, in 17 games, with one start.
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 260 pounds, Thomas adds depth to the Rams’ defense with Nick Hampton out for the season.
Sending multiple rushers at Darnold could be crucial, as he struggled under pressure against the Lions, completing just 4 of 18 passes for 70 yards compared to 8 of 22 for 96 yards when not blitzed, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Vikings have been dealing with offensive line issues, particularly since losing starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw to a knee injury in Week 8. With additional pressure from the edge and linebacker positions, the Rams could gain an advantage in controlling the game.