WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – The Rams activated wide receiver Tutu Atwell (hamstring) off of Injured Reserve on Saturday, ahead of Sunday's game against the Lions at SoFi Stadium (1:25 p.m. PT, FOX).
Atwell had been in the 21-day practice window for that decision since Nov. 19, remaining on IR for Los Angeles' last three games due to a numbers crunch with the team's 48-man game day roster.
Asked last week whether the problem with activating Atwell is that he doesn't play special teams and the depth of the receiver room, head coach Sean McVay said "there's not a problem." McVay said Atwell has "done everything he can control," and the layers to the decision have been out of Atwell's control.
McVay on Friday said Atwell will be up for Sunday's game, and has handled the circumstances "really well." Los Angeles waived outside linebacker Nick Hampton – who was later re-signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers – to make room for Atwell on the 53-man roster.
"He's so smart. He's so aware," McVay said. "I think the most important thing is as long as there's communication throughout and clarity for him. He's been a pro about it. I've got a lot of love for Tutu as we continue to build the relationship over these years. I know he's chomping at the bit. He wants to get out there and compete, contribute and be able to positively help this team. He's done that in a lot of ways that maybe isn't always reflected in some of the games that you guys have seen, but he's making an impact. It'll be good to be able to get him out there and see how the game unfolds."
