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Rams Lose Benton Whitley to Chiefs, Add Matt Skura

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed Rams preseason standout Benton Whitley

NFL: Los Angeles Rams Minicamp Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Rams have lost one of their preseason standouts off of the practice squad. The Kanas City Chiefs have signed edge rusher Benton Whitley to their active roster according to Arrowhead Pride’s Pete Sweeney.

Whitley was brought in as an undrafted free agent out of Holy Cross. He impressed for the Rams during the preseason and made a good impression on the coaching staff. While Whitley didn't make the 53-man roster, he was brought back to the practice squad.

During the preseason, Whitley ranked second on the Rams with six pressures. His best game came in the preseason opener against the Chargers in a game where he had four pressures and a pass-rush grade of 73 according to Pro Football Focus.

This isn’t necessarily a huge blow to the Rams roster, but it does impact their depth at edge rusher. Daniel Hardy is currently on injured reserve and will have to stay on there for at least two more weeks. This leaves the Rams with only Keir Thomas on the active roster and Brayden Thomas on the practice squad behind the core pass rushers of Leonard Floyd, Justin Hollins, and Terrell Lewis.

As a corresponding move, the Rams added T

While the Rams lost depth at edge rusher on Wednesday, they picked up some depth at center. According to the team, the Rams signed center Matt Skura.

Skura had a rough 2021 with the New York Giants as he gave up a career-high 32 pressures. This was following four decent seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. In 2020, Skura gave up 10 pressures in 342 snaps and then just seven pressures in 2019 in 368 snaps.

While Skura may not start for the Rams, it at least provides them some depth at center behind Brian Allen. As it stands, Coleman Shelton is the only healthy center on the Rams roster. Skura gives the Rams some insurance if something were to happen to Shelton or later in the year if the Rams want to keep Shelton at right guard.