Rams designate Van Jefferson, Troy Hill, Travin Howard for return

Hill is a longtime cornerback for Los Angeles who took a brief hiatus during its Super Bowl season last year. Hill signed as a free agent with the Browns for the 2021 NFL season but was traded back to the Rams in the following offseason. He earned a starting role in Los Angeles before signing with the Browns and was in line to return to that role before a groin injury in a Week 2 win over the Falcons sent him to injured reserve. The Rams have been getting strong starts from David Long and Derion Kendrick in Hill’s absence, but Los Angeles will look forward to returning Hill opposite Jalen Ramsey.

Howard has been with Los Angeles since 2018 in some capacity, spending lots of time on reserve lists over the years. Most recently, Howard was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list in July after suffering a groin tear that would eventually require surgery. While he had opportunities to make an impact last year, even making the game-sealing interception in last year’s NFC Championship Game to send the Rams to the Super Bowl, this year’s linebacking corps in Los Angeles is much more talented. If he returns from the NFI list, Howard will add some depth to the linebacker unit and likely contribute on special teams.

Jefferson is attempting to make his season debut after undergoing knee surgery this offseason. The Rams have sorely missed the third-year receiver who served as the team’s second receiving option behind Cooper Kupp last season. Los Angeles attempted to replace Jefferson’s production with Ben Skowronek and Allen Robinson, but getting Jefferson back could be a huge addition to the Rams’ passing game.

Designating Hill, Howard and Jefferson opens up the three-week practice period for each player. If, at the end of the three-week period, the Rams have not activated any individual player, that player will have the designation for return removed and will have to remain out for the remainder of the season.