In the last five weeks, Demarcus Robinson has established himself as the Rams’ No. 3 receiver. He’s played at least 59% of the snaps in each of the last five games after not playing more than 16% in the previous 10 games, and he’s taken full advantage of those opportunities with four touchdowns in the last four weeks.
That increase in playing time has come at the expense of Tutu Atwell, whose snaps have decreased recently. Atwell missed Week 15 against the Commanders due to a concussion but in his return on Thursday night, he played just four total snaps – his fewest all season.
Sean McVay told reporters on Friday that he’s still committed to keeping Atwell involved, suggesting his lack of playing time was partly due to Tutu returning in a short week.
“Yeah, that’s a good question. I think it was a unique set of circumstances. Demarcus has done a great job, but we’ve got to be able to find a way, and I have to be able to find a way to get Tutu involved,” McVay said. “He had the concussion, really ended up missing really the majority of the Baltimore game. And then last week on a short turnaround. So he does bring a unique skillset, something that has been beneficial to our team this year and so continuing to find ways of maximizing all of our guys is something that is my job and our job as coaches. And while it’s been awesome to watch Demarcus, he’s going to continue to do an excellent job for us. And then figuring out ways of getting Tutu involved because he does have the ability to play in a bunch of different spots in our offense is something that we’ll for sure have to figure out. And that’s something that I’m committed to for him and for our team because I think it’ll make us better.”
Atwell was off to a great start this season when Cooper Kupp was sidelined. He caught 22 passes for 270 yards and a touchdown in the first four games, but he has only 15 receptions for 206 yards and two touchdowns in the 10 games he’s played since.
Atwell’s speed can be a difference-maker at wide receiver, but he doesn’t bring the same size and route running that Robinson does, which is why Los Angeles has leaned more toward the veteran over the speedster lately.
With plenty of time to prepare for the Giants, it’ll be worth seeing how involved Atwell is next weekend in New York.