Overview
- Video from Saturday showed Kyren Williams taking the first two punt-return reps at Rams training camp practice, prompting coaches and media to view the work as an experiment with him as the primary returner.
- Reports say the Rams did not bring in a dedicated return specialist this offseason, so coaches appear to be testing an internal solution rather than signing a niche return player.
- If Williams holds the role, analysts say Xavier Smith could lose his roster value because Smith’s primary edge was serving as the team’s punt returner last season.
- Williams has only six career punt returns across four NFL seasons, and his offensive snaps were reduced last year by Blake Corum while Williams is in the final year of his contract.
- The move follows Sean McVay’s past use of offensive stars on special teams and a recent overhaul of Rams special-teams staff, and it will be watched closely through preseason practices and roster cutdowns for signs the change sticks.