Rams Latest Roster Move Points Toward Offensive Shakeup

Tutu Atwell, who landed on injured reserve in late October due to a hamstring injury, will suit up for the first time in six games. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed the activation via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop, noting that Atwell’s return will provide a complementary option alongside Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, arguably one of the NFL’s best receiving tandems.

While Atwell has only recorded four receptions for 164 yards this season, his skill set is clear: he thrives as a serious deep threat. In 2025, 55.6% of his targets were 20-plus yards downfield, producing 97.6% of his receiving yards. That profile aligns perfectly with LA’s 11 personnel packages, where he averages 19.67 yards per target.

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Current Scheme Highlights Limitations

Over the past five weeks, the Rams’ heavy reliance on 13 personnel formations featuring three tight ends and one wide receiver has fundamentally reduced Atwell’s opportunities. In Week 14, 59.7% of plays came from 13 personnel, a stark contrast to the 11 personnel packages that maximize receiver usage.

Data from the last five weeks illustrates the mismatch:

• Pass attempts from 11 personnel: 115, with an average depth of 7.82 yards
• Pass attempts from 13 personnel: 36, with an average depth of 5.53 yards
• Short passes (<10 yards) from 13 personnel: 80.6%

With 13 personnel prioritizing the tight end and running game, Atwell’s deep-threat skill set has been largely sidelined, explaining his inactivity over this period.

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Lions’ Defensive Profile Supports 11 Personnel Attack

Detroit’s defense presents a clear opportunity for the Rams to exploit vertical passing concepts. The Lions allow a 75.5% pass rate against 11 personnel, with an average depth of 7.18 yards per attempt. By contrast, 13 personnel has been their strongest grouping, allowing a mere 30% success rate and only 2.64 yards per rush attempt.

Activating Atwell suggests that the decision makers recognize this discrepancy. By returning to more 11 personnel sets, the offense can leverage Atwell’s speed and deep-route ability against a defense that has shown vulnerability to spread formations.

Strategic Implications for the Rams’ Offense

Tutu Atwell’s return is not just about adding another receiver—it signals a potential philosophical pivot. The 2025 offensive data demonstrates that vertical passing thrives in 11 personnel, generating a 0.146 expected points added (EPA) per play, compared to a -0.167 EPA from 13 personnel. With Atwell in the fold, McVay can expand the vertical threat, forcing defenses to respect deeper routes while continuing to leverage Adams and Nacua as primary targets.

This shift also addresses roster redundancy. With the previous emphasis on 13 personnel, established starters like Adams and Nacua shouldered nearly all receiver snaps. Reintroducing Atwell diversifies options and allows the Rams to stretch the field more effectively, particularly in critical third-down and red-zone situations.

Looking Ahead

Atwell’s activation underscores the Rams’ intent to inject more explosiveness into their offense. While 13 personnel has provided short-yardage efficiency and helped maintain a 5-1 record over the past six games, Sunday’s matchup against Detroit offers the ideal environment to integrate vertical passing concepts.

By leaning on 11 personnel and maximizing Atwell’s deep-threat capabilities, the Rams can potentially open up the field for Nacua and Adams while exploiting the Lions’ susceptibility to deeper passes.