Rams sign DB Antoine Brooks Jr., RB Buddy Howell to practice squad

The Rams’ practice squad is full after the team signed Antoine Brooks Jr. and Buddy Howell.

It took a few days, but the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad is officially full. The Rams announced on Friday that they’ve signed Antoine Brooks Jr. and Buddy Howell to the practice squad, making them the 16th and 17th players in the group.

Brooks was waived by the Steelers with an injury settlement this week, while Howell was formerly with the Texans.

Brooks was drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round last year and was expected to compete for the team’s starting nickel role as Mike Hilton’s replacement. He missed time with an injury suffered in the Hall of Fame game, which cost him valuable reps in practice and the preseason.

He’s viewed as a hybrid safety-linebacker with good upside, but he has to stay healthy and improve in coverage.

Howell is a bigger back at 6-foot-1 and 213 pounds, excelling on special teams. He provides depth behind Darrell Henderson Jr., Sony Michel and Jake Funk, though he’s unlikely to contribute unless there’s an injury.

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