Saints sign Jarquez Hunter

Hunter was notably acquired for Tutu Atwell in the preseason but was released during final cuts. The Dolphins now bring him back as depth in the running back room. Also notably on the practice squad is former first-round defensive lineman Mazi Smith. The Dolphins rounded out the practice squad with RB Carlos Washington, WR Jalen Reagor, WR Will Sheppard, CB Ethan Bonner, DE Max Llewellyn, TE Tre Watson, OT Gottlieb Ayedze, DL Jordan Miller, EDGE Clelin Ferrell, EDGE Amari Gainer, EDGE Rodney McGraw, LB Liam Anderson, CB Jaylin Simpson, and S Major Burns.

It’s a bit surprising after Hunter was acquired in a 1-for-1 swap for Tutu Atwell three days ago, but the Dolphins are undoubtedly hoping he will clear waivers and revert to the practice squad. The move was also a Miami money-saver, so it was not all for naught. Also waived/released by the Dolphins are OT Gottlieb Ayedze, CB Miles Battle, S Major Burns, TE Jeremiah Franklin, QB Mark Gronowski, WR Donaven McCulley, EDGE Rodney McGraw, CB Jai’Onte’ McMillan, QB Cam Miller, DL Fatorma Mulbah, LB Cam Riley, RB Carlos Washington Jr., DL Matthew Butler, LB Tyrel Dodson, EDGE Cameron Goode, OT Charlie Heck, S Lonnie Johnson Jr., WR Terrace Marshall Jr., EDGE David Ojabo, WR Jalen Reagor and CB Marco Wilson.

Back with his old team, Atwell is highly unlikely to warrant FLEX treatment this season, but he provides the Rams with a speed element that the offense was somewhat lacking. The move also indicates that TE Terrance Ferguson will not be asked to stretch the field as much as he did last year, freeing him up for a potential breakout campaign. Last week, The Athletic’s Nate Atkins reported that Hunter has had a good training camp, showing “many of the rushing skills that had the Rams enamored enough to trade up and draft him in the fourth round last year.” He will likely compete for the No. 2 running back job in Miami.

In other words, Hunter is simply waiting on Blake Corum or Kyren Williams to actually miss time. When neither of them did, he managed only five active games and zero offensive snaps. It’s early to cut bait with Hunter in dynasty leagues, but he certainly isn’t giving off any “must keep” vibes at this point.

Corum is firmly on the wrong side of questionable at this point and the Rams have already secured a playoff spot. Starting RB Kyren Williams (ankle) is nursing an ankle injury. If both players are declared inactive, rookie RB Jarquez Hunter could get the start.

Williams’ backup, RB Blake Corum (ankle), has not yet practiced this week and the Rams are already headed to the playoffs. Rams rookie RB Jarquez Hunter could see live action this week against the Cardinals, if the coaching staff opts to preserve Williams’ health for the postseason.

Adams has been rehabbing this hamstring injury for weeks. He played through it without issue in Week 14 but suffered a re-injury in Week 15. Tonight’s absence was expected. It gives rookie WR Konata Mumpfield a chance to establish himself as a contributor, though expectations must be held in check. He should not be started in re-draft formats. The Rams also declared CB Ahkello Witherspoon, QB Stetson Bennett IV, RB Jarquez Hunter, OL Beaux Limmer and OLB Nick Hampton inactive in Week 16 against the Seahawks.

Nacua injured his ankle while attempting to secure an end zone target in Week 6. He sat out the Rams’ Week 7 game against the Jaguars, but fortunately for the Rams, they were on bye in Week 8, allowing him to miss just one game in two weeks. He should be started as a high-end WR1 against the Saints. The Rams declared QB Stetson Bennett IV, RB Jarquez Hunter, CB Darious Williams, OL Beaux Limmer, OL David Quessenberry and DE Desjuan Johnson inactive for Week 9 against the Saints.

Nacua will get a Week 8 bye to rest up before eying a Week 9 return against the Saints. Hunter is back to being a healthy scratch after getting some work on special teams over the past month. He hasn’t earned a snap on offense this year.

They elevated Cody Schrader from the practice squad to play over Hunter, though neither should have much a role behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Non-dynasty leagues don’t need to hold Hunter at this point. Also inactive for the Rams are: QB Stetson Bennett (third quarterback), DL Ty Hamilton, OL Justin Dedich, OL David Quessenberry, and DL Desjuan Johnson.