Tutu Atwell might be the fastest player on the Rams, but he’s gotten off to a slow start this summer – and not because he’s struggled on the field. The problem is, he hasn’t been on the field at all during training camp.
Atwell was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list at the start of camp and has been sidelined for the last 10 days as a result. He’s expected to return on Wednesday but even when he does get back out there, the Rams will be smart with their top rookie.
“It’s been the 10 days, and so (Kevin) Carberry is back tomorrow and I believe Tutu is,” McVay said Tuesday. “Need to get true clarification, but we’ll be smart with how we bring Tutu back into the practice rhythm and routine. We’re not just going to throw him right back into it. He’s been sitting in his hotel room for the last 10 days not doing anything, be interested to see how much he weighs right now.”
The Rams talked to Atwell about possibly adding some weight but they probably didn’t mean the type of pounds that come with quarantining in a hotel room for more than a week. Considering he’s been mostly inactive for the last 10 days, they’ll have to be careful with soft-tissue injuries and strains when he does return. But, the Rams are always smart with their players so they’ll have a plan for Atwell.
Don’t expect him to be a full participant when he’s cleared, especially now that the pads have been put on. The speedy Atwell will need to stay in first and second gear initially when he does make his camp debut.