The Rams’ running back group has been plagued by injuries this year, losing Cam Akers and Raymond Calais to season-ending injuries before Week 1. Darrell Henderson Jr. is now banged up, too, leading to more shuffling in the backfield.
The Rams announced on Monday that they signed running back Javian Hawkins to the practice squad and released Otis Anderson to make room for him. Hawkins had preseason stints with the Falcons and Titans but was a free agent.
LA Rams Transactions:
• Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad RB Otis Anderson
• Signed to Practice Squad RB Javian Hawkins— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 20, 2021
Hawkins was the college teammate of Tutu Atwell at Louisville. He went undrafted this year and was signed by the Falcons, but they surprisingly cut him in late August after it seemed like he might have a role on offense.
While at Louisville, he rushed for 2,355 yards and 16 touchdowns and caught 21 passes for 189 yards with one score. He does have some special teams ability, returning three kicks in college for 47 yards.
He’s unlikely to factor into the Rams’ running back rotation, but if Henderson is unable to play Sunday, Hawkins could be an emergency option behind Sony Michel and Jake Funk.